(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-645B-3d, G.W. McLean OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$810 MS65 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Merchant token from G.W. McLean of N. Hampton, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 645B-3d. Ohio produced more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state, driven by Cincinnati's role as the largest inland city and a Union Army supply hub. G.W. McLean issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 645B-3d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. 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. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 6 cataloged varieties, G.W. McLean was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 645B-3d