(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-735B-1D, OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$960 MS64 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War store card from Pomeroy, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 735B-1D. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 735B-1D) is somewhat scarce. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. 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. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 10 cataloged varieties, this merchant was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 735B-1D