(1863) Copper Civil War Store Card F-735B-2a, M.L. Stewart MI

Coin Details

Description

M.L. Stewart, an Owosso 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. With 3 known varieties, M.L. Stewart produced a modest number of token types. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 735B-2a) is common. 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. 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 3 cataloged varieties, M.L. Stewart was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 735B-2a