(1861-65) Brass Civil War Store Card F-165EO-4b, Henry Porter OH

Coin Details

Description

Henry Porter of Cincinnati issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Cincinnati was the largest inland city in antebellum America and a critical supply center for the Union Army, driving Ohio to produce more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state. Henry Porter issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The brass composition of this variety (Fuld 165EO-4b) is common to somewhat scarce for this merchant. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 6 cataloged varieties, Henry Porter was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165EO-4b