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

Coin Details

Description

A.W. Prentiss, based in Monroevill, Ohio, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. 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. A.W. Prentiss issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The brass composition of this variety (Fuld 560B-1B) is common to somewhat scarce for this merchant. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Brass strikings are among the more available variants, though less common than copper.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 6 cataloged varieties, A.W. Prentiss was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 560B-1B