(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165FF-2d, Chr. Schloendorn OH

Coin Details

Description

Chr. Schloendorn, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. 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. Chr. Schloendorn issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165FF-2d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 165FF-2d