(1863) Nickel Civil War Store Card F-150AQ-1c, Oppenheimer & Metzger IL

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Oppenheimer & Metzger of Illinois. Illinois was a critical Union state with Chicago rapidly becoming one of America's largest commercial centers, driving token production across the state. With 2 known varieties, Oppenheimer & Metzger produced a modest number of token types. Struck in nickel, this die combination (Fuld 150AQ-1c) is scarce. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Nickel tokens were produced in smaller quantities than the standard copper issues. 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

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 2 cataloged varieties, Oppenheimer & Metzger was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 150AQ-1c