(1861-65) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-557A-2d, John Frank OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by John Frank in Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. John Frank issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 557A-2d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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 5 cataloged varieties, John Frank was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 557A-2d