(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-830B-4i, Kauffman & Co OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Kaufmann & Co, located in Springfld, 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. The 10 cataloged varieties for Kaufmann & Co indicate a notable level of token production. This zinc striking (Fuld 830B-4i) is scarce among the known varieties. Token production was a specialized trade — die sinkers maintained catalogs of stock dies that merchants could pair with custom obverses. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable. 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

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 10 cataloged varieties, Kaufmann & Co was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 830B-4i