(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-975B-5d, OH

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by J.R. Bowman of Wooster, 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. The 10 cataloged varieties for J.R. Bowman indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 975B-5d) is somewhat scarce. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 10 cataloged varieties, J.R. Bowman was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 975B-5d