(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-895A-2d, C. McCarty OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of C. McCarty, located in Urbana, Ohio. Ohio produced more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state, driven by Cincinnati's role as the largest inland city and a Union Army supply hub. C. McCarty issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 895A-2d) 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 Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 5 cataloged varieties, C. McCarty was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 895A-2d