(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165DL-4D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by W.C. McClenahan & Co. of 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. W.C. McClenahan & Co. issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 165DL-4D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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 5 cataloged varieties, W.C. McClenahan & Co. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165DL-4D