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

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Jos. Zanone in Ohio, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Ohio produced more varieties of Civil War store cards than any other state, driven by Cincinnati's role as the largest inland city and a Union Army supply hub. Jos. Zanone issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The silver composition of this variety (Fuld 165GX-2F) is rare for this merchant. Civil War tokens rarely bear dates. This piece was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage, when merchants needed emergency small change. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced as presentation or collector pieces.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced in small quantities for collectors or as special presentation pieces. With 8 cataloged varieties, Jos. Zanone was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165GX-2F