(1861-65) Copper Civil War Store Card F-165BC-2a, J. Geiser OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$425 AU55BN 02-15-2023 eBay

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of J. Geiser in Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. With 2 known varieties, J. Geiser produced a modest number of token types. The copper composition of this variety (Fuld 165BC-2a) is common for this merchant. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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 2 cataloged varieties, J. Geiser was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 165BC-2a