(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225D-5d, Blindbury's MI

Coin Details

Description

Antisdel & Hills of Detroit issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. Antisdel & Hills issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225D-5d) is somewhat scarce. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, Antisdel & Hills was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225D-5d