(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-110A-5I, OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$114 MS62 03-28-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

G.B. Barrett, based in Cadiz, Ohio, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. G.B. Barrett issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 110A-5I) is scarce among the known varieties. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 9 cataloged varieties, G.B. Barrett was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 110A-5I