(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165BW-5d, Dr. H.H. Hill & Co. OH

Coin Details

Description

Dr. H.H. Hill & Co., a Cincinnati merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Cincinnati's position as a Union Army supply center and Ohio River trade hub made it a prolific source of Civil War tokens. John Stanton and other die sinkers based in the city produced dies for merchants across the Midwest. Dr. H.H. Hill & Co. issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165BW-5d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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 9 cataloged varieties, Dr. H.H. Hill & Co. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165BW-5d