(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-620A-5A, OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by H.H. Robinson, operating in New London, Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. The 11 cataloged varieties for H.H. Robinson indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 620A-5A) is common. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 11 cataloged varieties, H.H. Robinson was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 620A-5A