(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-830F-5D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Murphy & Bro. of Springfld, 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. Murphy & Bro. issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 830F-5D) is somewhat scarce. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 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 8 cataloged varieties, Murphy & Bro. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 830F-5D