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

Coin Details

Description

J.A. Hughes, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. 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.A. Hughes issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This silver striking (Fuld 165BZ-3F) is rare among the known varieties. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced as presentation or collector pieces.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced in small quantities for collectors or as special presentation pieces. With 6 cataloged varieties, J.A. Hughes was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165BZ-3F