(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-557A-6d, John Frank OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of John Frank in Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. John Frank issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 557A-6d) is somewhat scarce. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 557A-6d