(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-695A-2D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of J.F. Seas, located in Orville, Ohio. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. J.F. Seas issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 695A-2D) is somewhat scarce. 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. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. 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 7 cataloged varieties, J.F. Seas was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 695A-2D