(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-165GU-3d, S.Y. OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by S.Y., operating in Cincinnati, Ohio. 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. S.Y. issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165GU-3d) 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. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 8 cataloged varieties, S.Y. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165GU-3d