(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-65B-3C, OH

Coin Details

Description

P. Brady, a Bellevue merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 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. The 11 cataloged varieties for P. Brady indicate a notable level of token production. The nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 65B-3C) is scarce for this merchant. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Nickel strikings are scarcer than copper or brass versions and have a distinctive silvery appearance.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 11 cataloged varieties, P. Brady was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 65B-3C