(1863) Copper Civil War Store Card F-900A-1a, A. Jacobs OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$84 XF45BN 10-14-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Civil War-era store card from A. Jacobs, a Van Wert, Ohio business. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. The copper composition of this variety (Fuld 900A-1a) is common for this merchant. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, the U.S. Mint dramatically increased production of small-denomination coins, and the new bronze two-cent piece helped alleviate the shortage. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

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 1 cataloged varieties, A. Jacobs was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 900A-1a