(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165E-7d, Gruhlers OH

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Gruhlers of Cincinnati, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 165E-7d. 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. The 10 cataloged varieties for Gruhlers indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165E-7d) is somewhat scarce. 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 10 cataloged varieties, Gruhlers was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165E-7d