(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-555A-5d, P.L. Potter OH

Coin Details

Description

P.L. Potter, a Middleton merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. The breadth of Ohio's Civil War token production reflects the state's diverse economy, from Cincinnati's river trade to Cleveland's Lake Erie shipping to interior manufacturing towns. The 12 cataloged varieties for P.L. Potter indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 555A-5d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Token manufacturers struck pieces by the thousands, using hand-fed screw presses capable of producing several hundred tokens per hour. 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. 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-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 12 cataloged varieties, P.L. Potter was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 555A-5d