(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225T-4d, Geo. E. Curtis MI

Coin Details

Description

Geo. E. Curtis, a Detroit merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Detroit was Michigan's largest city and a major manufacturing center, producing stoves, railroad equipment, and industrial goods for the Northern war effort. Geo. E. Curtis issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225T-4d) is somewhat scarce. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. 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 Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.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, Geo. E. Curtis was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225T-4d