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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Frank Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio. 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. Frank Smith issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165FR-1d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. 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. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 165FR-1d