(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-225J-1i, Fred'k C. Blome MI

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Fred'K C. Blome of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225J-1i. Detroit was Michigan's largest city and a major manufacturing center, producing stoves, railroad equipment, and industrial goods for the Northern war effort. Fred'K C. Blome issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 225J-1i) is scarce among the known varieties. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 6 cataloged varieties, Fred'K C. Blome was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225J-1i