(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165N-31d, Dr. Bennett's OH

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Dr. Bennett's of Cincinnati, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 165N-31d. 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. Dr. Bennett's produced 36 cataloged die varieties, reflecting a substantial token operation. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165N-31d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. 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. 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 36 cataloged varieties, Dr. Bennett's was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165N-31d