(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-165ER-7i, John Ravy OH

Coin Details

Description

Store card of John Ravy in Cincinnati, Ohio, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. 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. The 17 cataloged varieties for John Ravy indicate a notable level of token production. This zinc striking (Fuld 165ER-7i) is scarce 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 hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 17 cataloged varieties, John Ravy was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165ER-7i