Massachusetts--Boston. 1863 Merriam & Co. Fuld-115D-2a. Rarity-10. Copper. Plain Edge. MS-63 BN (PCGS). 19 mm. One of the rarest and most eagerly sought Civil War store cards from this popular issuer, this is the unique Fuld-115D-2a of Merriam & Co. It is a lovely, fully Choice example whose evenly toned surfaces are bathed in warm sandy-brown patina. Both sides are free of troublesome blemishes and are smooth enough to evoke thoughts of an even higher numeric grade. The sharp strike has imparted intricate detail throughout the design.<p>While Joseph H. Merriam made dies for many others, some he prepared for his own account. The present pairing features the popular dogs head and GOOD FOR A SCENT stock die (1284) mated with an obverse that advertises Merriams location at 19 Brattle Square, Boston. The obverse die is also one of the more popular in this series due to its unique design featuring a lizard. Cataloged as Rarity-10 -- unique -- in the 2014 edition of the Fuld reference on Civil War store cards, the significance of this offering for specialists can hardly be overstated. Ex Rossa & Tanenbaum; Q. David Bowers Reference Collection.
