(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225BS-3d, E.B. Smith MI

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by E.B. Smith, 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. E.B. Smith issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225BS-3d) 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. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 6 cataloged varieties, E.B. Smith was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BS-3d