(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-125A-2I, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from J.A. Meyer, a Canton, Ohio business. 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. J.A. Meyer issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The zinc composition of this variety (Fuld 125A-2I) is scarce for this merchant. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 125A-2I