(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165BT-11D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from B. Hempelman, a Cincinnati, Ohio business. 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. The 19 cataloged varieties for B. Hempelman indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165BT-11D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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 19 cataloged varieties, B. Hempelman was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165BT-11D