(1861-65) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165P-1d, Frank Beresford OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Frank Beresford, located in 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 16 cataloged varieties for Frank Beresford indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165P-1d) is somewhat scarce. 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. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 16 cataloged varieties, Frank Beresford was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165P-1d