(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-165GX-6E, OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Jos. Zanone in Ohio. 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. This white metal striking (Fuld 165GX-6E) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. 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. White metal strikings are less common than copper or brass and show more wear due to the soft alloy. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 8 cataloged varieties, Jos. Zanone was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 165GX-6E