(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165GT-3F, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by H. B. Xelar of Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. H. B. Xelar issued 5 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The silver composition of this variety (Fuld 165GT-3F) is rare for this merchant. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. 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. Silver examples were struck in small quantities, often for collectors or as special orders. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced in small quantities for collectors or as special presentation pieces. With 5 cataloged varieties, H. B. Xelar was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165GT-3F