(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-925A-3D, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of C.M. Coffin, located in West Newton, 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. C.M. Coffin issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 925A-3D) is somewhat scarce. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Civil War tokens addressed a practical problem: the wartime disappearance of federal small change made daily transactions nearly impossible without private substitutes. 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 7 cataloged varieties, C.M. Coffin was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 925A-3D