(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165AE-13d, Costello's OH

Coin Details

Description

Costello's, a Cincinnati merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Cincinnati's position as a Union Army supply center and Ohio River trade hub made it a prolific source of Civil War tokens. John Stanton and other die sinkers based in the city produced dies for merchants across the Midwest. Costello's produced 20 cataloged die varieties, reflecting a substantial token operation. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165AE-13d) 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. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 20 cataloged varieties, Costello's was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165AE-13d