(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-770A-2I, OH

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by B.L. Crew, operating in Richmond, 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. B.L. Crew issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 770A-2I) is scarce among the known varieties. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 6 cataloged varieties, B.L. Crew was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 770A-2I