(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-320A-2D, OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Bartlett & Rigby, operating in Easton, 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. With 4 known varieties, Bartlett & Rigby produced a modest number of token types. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 320A-2D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 4 cataloged varieties, Bartlett & Rigby was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 320A-2D