(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165GO-2d, John Woessner's OH

Coin Details

Description

John Woessner's, 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 14 cataloged varieties for John Woessner's indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165GO-2d) is somewhat scarce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 14 cataloged varieties, John Woessner's was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165GO-2d