(1864) Copper Civil War Store Card F-620A-9a, H.H. Robinson OH

Coin Details

Description

H.H. Robinson, a New London merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 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. The 11 cataloged varieties for H.H. Robinson indicate a notable level of token production. This copper striking (Fuld 620A-9a) is common among the known varieties. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 11 cataloged varieties, H.H. Robinson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 620A-9a