(1861-65) Copper Civil War Store Card F-165L-7a, C.H. Beer's OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$455 MS63BN 10-03-2023 eBay

Description

C.H. Beers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime 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. The 15 cataloged varieties for C.H. Beers indicate a notable level of token production. The copper composition of this variety (Fuld 165L-7a) is common for this merchant. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. 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 15 cataloged varieties, C.H. Beers was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165L-7a