(1863) Copper Civil War Store Card F-995F-2a, G.W. Griffee OH

Coin Details

Description

G.W. Griffee, based in Zanesville, 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. With 4 known varieties, G.W. Griffee produced a modest number of token types. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 995F-2a) is common. 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. 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

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 4 cataloged varieties, G.W. Griffee was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 995F-2a