(1864) Brass Civil War Store Card F-150B-1b, Miles & Sperry OH

Coin Details

Description

Miles & Sperry of Chestervil issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Miles & Sperry issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This brass striking (Fuld 150B-1b) is common to somewhat 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. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 5 cataloged varieties, Miles & Sperry was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 150B-1b