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

Coin Details

Description

Samuel Geitgey, a Wooster merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Samuel Geitgey issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 975F-5d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. 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 6 cataloged varieties, Samuel Geitgey was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 975F-5d