(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225AR-4d, P.N. Kneeland MI

Coin Details

Description

P.N. Kneeland, 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. P.N. Kneeland issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225AR-4d) is somewhat scarce 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. Between 1862 and 1864, Northern merchants produced millions of private tokens to compensate for the disappearance of federal coinage. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. The Fuld catalog documents thousands of distinct die combinations for Civil War store cards, making this one of the most complex series in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 8 cataloged varieties, P.N. Kneeland was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225AR-4d