(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165CJ-4d, Warren Kennedy OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$432 MS64 10-14-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Store card of Warren Kennedy in Cincinnati, Ohio, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Known as the "Queen of the West," Cincinnati served as a major Ohio River commercial hub. Its merchants produced hundreds of store card varieties during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Warren Kennedy issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165CJ-4d) is somewhat scarce. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Many Civil War tokens survive in high grades because merchants and the public saved them as novelties, resulting in a better average preservation than contemporary federal coins.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 5 cataloged varieties, Warren Kennedy was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165CJ-4d