(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-805A-5d, Cummins & Anderson OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Cummins & Anderson, operating in Shelby, Ohio. 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 14 cataloged varieties for Cummins & Anderson indicate a notable level of token production. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 805A-5d) 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. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 14 cataloged varieties, Cummins & Anderson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 805A-5d