(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165FM-2d, Wm. Senour OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$840 MS63 12-13-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

Wm. Senour, 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. The 12 cataloged varieties for Wm. Senour indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165FM-2d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. 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 12 cataloged varieties, Wm. Senour was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165FM-2d