(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-995F-3d, OH

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from G.W. Griffee of Zanesville, Ohio, cataloged as Fuld 995F-3d. 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. With 4 known varieties, G.W. Griffee produced a modest number of token types. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 995F-3d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical 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 4 cataloged varieties, G.W. Griffee was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 995F-3d