(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-800A-2B, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of W.K. McMillins, located in Sharonvill, 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. W.K. McMillins issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This brass striking (Fuld 800A-2B) is common to somewhat 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. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Brass planchets were readily available to die sinkers, making this a relatively accessible metal variant for collectors.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 6 cataloged varieties, W.K. McMillins was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 800A-2B