(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165DJ-12I, OH

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Marsh & Miner in Cincinnati, Ohio, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. 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. Marsh & Miner produced 35 cataloged die varieties, reflecting a substantial token operation. This zinc striking (Fuld 165DJ-12I) is scarce among the known varieties. Like the majority of Civil War store cards, this token is undated, produced during the acute 1862-1864 small change crisis. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. 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. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 35 cataloged varieties, Marsh & Miner was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165DJ-12I