(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225J-3d, Fred'K C. Blome MI

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 225J-3d — store card of Fred'K C. Blome, Detroit, Michigan. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. Fred'K C. Blome issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 225J-3d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 6 cataloged varieties, Fred'K C. Blome was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225J-3d