(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165BV-13D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from V. Heyl of Cincinnati, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 165BV-13D. 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. V. Heyl produced 23 cataloged die varieties, reflecting a substantial token operation. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165BV-13D) is somewhat scarce. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. 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. 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 23 cataloged varieties, V. Heyl was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165BV-13D