(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225AN-3d, Jacob Hochstadt MI

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Jacob Hochstadt of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225AN-3d. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. Jacob Hochstadt issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225AN-3d) is somewhat scarce. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. 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, Jacob Hochstadt was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225AN-3d