(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165FJ-2C, OH

Coin Details

Description

Store card of H. Schott in Ohio, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. With 3 known varieties, H. Schott produced a modest number of token types. Struck in nickel, this die combination (Fuld 165FJ-2C) is scarce. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. 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. Pure nickel pieces are harder to strike than copper, contributing to their relative scarcity.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 3 cataloged varieties, H. Schott was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 165FJ-2C