(1861-65) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165EB-3d, H. Niebuhr OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from H. Niebuhr, a Cincinnati, Ohio business. 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. H. Niebuhr issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165EB-3d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, H. Niebuhr was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165EB-3d