(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165GJ-1d, W.W. Wert OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Commission, operating 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 16 cataloged varieties for Commission indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165GJ-1d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 16 cataloged varieties, Commission was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165GJ-1d