(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165AK-1D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from R. Downing, a Cincinnati, Ohio business. Known as the "Queen of the West," Cincinnati served as a major Ohio River commercial hub. Its merchants produced hundreds of store card varieties during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. R. Downing issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165AK-1D) is somewhat scarce. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. Between 1862 and 1864, Northern merchants produced millions of private tokens to compensate for the disappearance of federal coinage. 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 8 cataloged varieties, R. Downing was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165AK-1D