(1863) Brass Civil War Store Card F-165BE-3b, Segars OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Segars of Ohio. Ohio produced more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state, driven by Cincinnati's role as the largest inland city and a Union Army supply hub. Segars issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 165BE-3b) is common to somewhat 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. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 7 cataloged varieties, Segars was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165BE-3b