Posted 10/31/2010 9:43 pm
This is a super find! It's an unlisted sutler token. Strong was the sutler and Koehler was the maker or diesinker. OVI equals Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Schenckman lists a five and a ten cent denomination for Strong, in copper and brass, respectively; similar layout. Both are estimated Rarity 9's. It appears that the intended metal would correspond with the denomination. Since his book was penned in 1983, perhaps some twenty-five centers like yours have since surfaced. Occasionally, small hoards of old tokens do surface, but that's a rare occurrance. My guess is that, since Strong appears to have issued no more common varieties, that would make your token even more desireable to an advanced, Ohio sutler collector. Many sutlers from Ohio issued tokens, so it's a fairly common state, like PA and NY. Your token, unlike most sutler tokens, isn't copper or brass. Looks like white metal, and that's a plus as such. A few years ago, I managed to find a Kentucky sutler token at a Tennessee flea market. Even the most common sutler tokens are scarce as hen's teeth. Relish your good fortune in this find!
