(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-770A-5d, Johnson & Oursler IN

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Johnson & Oursler, operating in Plainfield, Indiana. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. The 11 cataloged varieties for Johnson & Oursler indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 770A-5d) is somewhat scarce. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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 11 cataloged varieties, Johnson & Oursler was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 770A-5d