(1863) Civil War Store Card F-790A-2a, Geo. Metzger OH

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 790A-2a — store card of Geo. Metzger, Sharonvill, Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. With 2 known varieties, Geo. Metzger produced a modest number of token types. This copper striking (Fuld 790A-2a) is common among the known varieties. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 2 cataloged varieties, Geo. Metzger was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 790A-2a