(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-800A-3D, OH

Coin Details

Description

W.K. McMillins of Sharonvill issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. 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. W.K. McMillins issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 800A-3D) is somewhat scarce. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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 6 cataloged varieties, W.K. McMillins was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 800A-3D