(1863) Civil War Store Card F-40A-1a, Philip Bach MI

Coin Details

Description

Philip Bach, an Ann Arbor merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Michigan was a significant industrial state during the Civil War, with Detroit emerging as a major manufacturing center and merchants across the state producing tokens. The 13 cataloged varieties for Philip Bach indicate a notable level of token production. This copper striking (Fuld 40A-1a) is common among the known varieties. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. 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 13 cataloged varieties, Philip Bach was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 40A-1a