(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165DK-5D, OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 MS62 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Martin's, a Cincinnati merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 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. Martin's issued 9 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165DK-5D) is somewhat scarce. Civil War tokens rarely bear dates. This piece was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage, when merchants needed emergency small change. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. 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 9 cataloged varieties, Martin's was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165DK-5D