(1861-65) German Silver Civil War Store Card F-470A-2j, Jas. McLaughlin OH

Coin Details

Description

Jas. McLaughlin of Ohio produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Struck in german silver, this die combination (Fuld 470A-2j) is scarce. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. Between 1862 and 1864, Northern merchants produced millions of private tokens to compensate for the disappearance of federal coinage. German silver pieces have a silvery-white color that distinguishes them from the more common copper and brass strikings. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 1 cataloged varieties, Jas. McLaughlin was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 470A-2j