(No Date) Copper Civil War Store Card F-770A-3a, Johnson & Oursler IN

Coin Details

Description

Johnson & Oursler, based in Plainfield, Indiana, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Hoosier merchants in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and smaller towns issued Civil War tokens reflecting Indiana's diverse commercial landscape. The 11 cataloged varieties for Johnson & Oursler indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 770A-3a) is common. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 11 cataloged varieties, Johnson & Oursler was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 770A-3a