(1863) Nickel Civil War Store Card F-505B-5c, Mansfield OH

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 505B-5c — store card of F. Borr., Mansfield, Ohio. The breadth of Ohio's Civil War token production reflects the state's diverse economy, from Cincinnati's river trade to Cleveland's Lake Erie shipping to interior manufacturing towns. The 18 cataloged varieties for F. Borr. indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in nickel, this die combination (Fuld 505B-5c) is scarce. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Nickel tokens were produced in smaller quantities than the standard copper issues. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 18 cataloged varieties, F. Borr. was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 505B-5c