(1863) Nickel Civil War Store Card F-40A-1c, Ann Arbor MI

Coin Details

Description

Fuld 40A-1c — store card of Philip Bach, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 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 nickel striking (Fuld 40A-1c) is scarce 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 token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Nickel tokens were produced in smaller quantities than the standard copper issues. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 13 cataloged varieties, Philip Bach was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 40A-1c