(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-560A-1B, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from R.G. Martin, a Monroevill, Ohio business. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. R.G. Martin issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 560A-1B) is common to somewhat scarce. Undated Civil War tokens like this one circulated alongside dated issues during the 1862-1864 period. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 8 cataloged varieties, R.G. Martin was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 560A-1B