(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165AS-4d, F. Fischer OH

Coin Details

Description

F. Fischer 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. F. Fischer issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165AS-4d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. 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.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 8 cataloged varieties, F. Fischer was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165AS-4d