(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165AO-7d, J. Ferguson OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$306 MS62 03-26-2014 Stack's Bowers

Description

J. Ferguson of Cincinnati issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War 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. The 12 cataloged varieties for J. Ferguson indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165AO-7d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 12 cataloged varieties, J. Ferguson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165AO-7d