(1861-65) Civil War Store Card F-557A-5a, John Frank OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from John Frank of Ohio. Ohio produced more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state, driven by Cincinnati's role as the largest inland city and a Union Army supply hub. John Frank issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper composition of this variety (Fuld 557A-5a) is common for this merchant. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 5 cataloged varieties, John Frank was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 557A-5a