(1861-65) Copper Civil War Store Card F-165DN-2a, L. Phil Meredith & J.N. M'Clung OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by L. Phil Meredith & J.N. M'Clung 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, L. Phil Meredith & J.N. M'Clung produced a modest number of token types. This copper striking (Fuld 165DN-2a) is common among the known varieties. Token manufacturers struck pieces by the thousands, using hand-fed screw presses capable of producing several hundred tokens per hour. 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 2 cataloged varieties, L. Phil Meredith & J.N. M'Clung was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 165DN-2a