(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-110A-8d, G B Barrett OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by G.B. Barrett of Cadiz, Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. G.B. Barrett issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 110A-8d) is somewhat scarce. Token production was a specialized trade — die sinkers maintained catalogs of stock dies that merchants could pair with custom obverses. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 9 cataloged varieties, G.B. Barrett was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 110A-8d