(1863) Silver Civil War Store Card F-165BZ-2f, J.A. Hughes OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of J.A. Hughes, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Known as the "Queen of the West," Cincinnati served as a major Ohio River commercial hub. Its merchants produced hundreds of store card varieties during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. J.A. Hughes issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This silver striking (Fuld 165BZ-2f) is rare 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. Silver examples were struck in small quantities, often for collectors or as special orders. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced in small quantities for collectors or as special presentation pieces. With 6 cataloged varieties, J.A. Hughes was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165BZ-2f