(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165DY-9D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Jas. Murdock, Jr., a Cincinnati, Ohio business. 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. Jas. Murdock, Jr. produced 20 cataloged die varieties, reflecting a substantial token operation. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 165DY-9D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. 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. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. 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 20 cataloged varieties, Jas. Murdock, Jr. was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165DY-9D