(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165BA-5d, John Galvagni OH

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from John Galvagni of Cincinnati, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 165BA-5d. Known as the "Queen of the West," Cincinnati served as a major Ohio River commercial hub. Its merchants produced hundreds of store card varieties during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. John Galvagni issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165BA-5d) is somewhat scarce. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 9 cataloged varieties, John Galvagni was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165BA-5d