(1861-65) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165R-17d, Lew. Boman OH

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Lew. Bowman of Cincinnati, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 165R-17d. 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. With 54 cataloged die varieties, Lew. Bowman was one of the most prolific token issuers in the series. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165R-17d) is somewhat scarce. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. 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. 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 54 cataloged varieties, Lew. Bowman was a substantial producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 165R-17d