(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165AC-6d, Chas. Conroy OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$504 MS64 10-13-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Chas. Conroy, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. 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. Chas. Conroy issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165AC-6d) is somewhat scarce. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. 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-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 9 cataloged varieties, Chas. Conroy was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165AC-6d