(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165AO-5d, J. Ferguson OH

Coin Details

Description

J. Ferguson, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Cincinnati was the largest inland city in antebellum America and a critical supply center for the Union Army, driving Ohio to produce more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state. The 12 cataloged varieties for J. Ferguson indicate a notable level of token production. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165AO-5d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 12 cataloged varieties, J. Ferguson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165AO-5d