(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165CK-1d, Frank Kern OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$456 MS64 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Frank Kern, a Cincinnati merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. 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. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165CK-1d) is somewhat scarce. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 1 cataloged varieties, Frank Kern was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 165CK-1d