(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-830F-4d, Murphy & Bro. OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Murphy & Bro., a Springfld, Ohio business. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Murphy & Bro. issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 830F-4d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. 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 Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.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 8 cataloged varieties, Murphy & Bro. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 830F-4d