(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165FT-1d, S.&L. Smith OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of S&L Smith, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. 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 S&L Smith indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165FT-1d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. 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. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 12 cataloged varieties, S&L Smith was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165FT-1d