(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-645B-2D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of G.W. McLean, located in N. Hampton, 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. G.W. McLean issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 645B-2D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Like the majority of Civil War store cards, this token is undated, produced during the acute 1862-1864 small change crisis. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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 6 cataloged varieties, G.W. McLean was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 645B-2D