(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-975A-1e, OH

Coin Details

Description

Store card of P.E. Beach in Ohio, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. 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. P.E. Beach issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in white metal, this die combination (Fuld 975A-1e) is somewhat scarce. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. White metal (a tin-based alloy) pieces are scarcer than copper and often show significant wear from their soft composition.

Rarity Notes

White metal (tin alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to the softness of the alloy. With 7 cataloged varieties, P.E. Beach was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 975A-1e