(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-120B-4d, J.P. Fornshell OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$552 MS64 10-14-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

J.P. Fornshell of Camden issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. 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. With 4 known varieties, J.P. Fornshell produced a modest number of token types. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 120B-4d) is somewhat scarce 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. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. 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-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 4 cataloged varieties, J.P. Fornshell was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 120B-4d