(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-200A-2I, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by John Grether of Columbus, Ohio. Columbus, the state capital, was a major military staging area with Camp Chase housing Confederate prisoners and thousands of Union troops training within the city. The 12 cataloged varieties for John Grether indicate a notable level of token production. The zinc composition of this variety (Fuld 200A-2I) is scarce 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. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 12 cataloged varieties, John Grether was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 200A-2I