(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-695A-4I, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by J.F. Seas of Orville, Ohio. The breadth of Ohio's Civil War token production reflects the state's diverse economy, from Cincinnati's river trade to Cleveland's Lake Erie shipping to interior manufacturing towns. J.F. Seas issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The zinc composition of this variety (Fuld 695A-4I) is scarce for this merchant. Civil War tokens rarely bear dates. This piece was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage, when merchants needed emergency small change. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 7 cataloged varieties, J.F. Seas was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 695A-4I