(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-385B-4d, H. & W. Frechtling OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of H. & W. Frechtling, located in Hamilton, Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. H. & W. Frechtling issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 385B-4d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, H. & W. Frechtling was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 385B-4d