(1864) Copper Civil War Store Card F-225BO-2a, John Schroder & Co. MI

Coin Details

Description

John Schroder & Co., based in Detroit, Michigan, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. John Schroder & Co. issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper striking (Fuld 225BO-2a) is common among the known varieties. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. 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

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 7 cataloged varieties, John Schroder & Co. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BO-2a