(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225BJ-4d, J.A. Rodier MI

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by J.A. Rodier, operating in Detroit, Michigan. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. J.A. Rodier issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225BJ-4d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. 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-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, J.A. Rodier was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BJ-4d