(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165A-8d, M. Adleta OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from M. Adleta, a Cincinnati, Ohio business. Cincinnati was the largest inland city in antebellum America and a critical supply center for the Union Army, driving Ohio to produce more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state. The 11 cataloged varieties for M. Adleta indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165A-8d) is somewhat scarce. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 11 cataloged varieties, M. Adleta was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165A-8d