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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of H. Loewenstein, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati's position as a Union Army supply center and Ohio River trade hub made it a prolific source of Civil War tokens. John Stanton and other die sinkers based in the city produced dies for merchants across the Midwest. The 14 cataloged varieties for H. Loewenstein indicate a notable level of token production. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165DF-11D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 14 cataloged varieties, H. Loewenstein was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165DF-11D