(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165GP-6d, G. Wolfer OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of G. Wolfer, located in 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. G. Wolfer issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165GP-6d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 165GP-6d