(1861-65) Civil War Store Card F-905A-4a, Davis & Whiteman OH

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Davis & Whiteman in Wapakoneta, Ohio, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. The breadth of Ohio's Civil War token production reflects the state's diverse economy, from Cincinnati's river trade to Cleveland's Lake Erie shipping to interior manufacturing towns. With 4 known varieties, Davis & Whiteman produced a modest number of token types. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 905A-4a) is common. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

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 4 cataloged varieties, Davis & Whiteman was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 905A-4a