(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165AI-3A, OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by J.N. Doniphan, operating in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati was the largest inland city in antebellum America and a critical supply center for the Union Army, driving Ohio to produce more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state. J.N. Doniphan issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 165AI-3A) is common. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. 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 strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 9 cataloged varieties, J.N. Doniphan was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165AI-3A