(1861-65) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165DV-8d, J.T. Moore OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by J.T. Moore of Cincinnati, Ohio. Known as the "Queen of the West," Cincinnati served as a major Ohio River commercial hub. Its merchants produced hundreds of store card varieties during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. The 13 cataloged varieties for J.T. Moore indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165DV-8d) is somewhat scarce. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 13 cataloged varieties, J.T. Moore was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165DV-8d