(1861-65) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-125B-2d, C. Oberly OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by C. Oberly of 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 4 known varieties, C. Oberly produced a modest number of token types. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 125B-2d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Many Civil War tokens survive in high grades because merchants and the public saved them as novelties, resulting in a better average preservation than contemporary federal coins.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 4 cataloged varieties, C. Oberly was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 125B-2d