(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225MA-4d, Campbell & Calnon MI

Coin Details

Description

Campbell & Calnon of Detroit issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. Campbell & Calnon issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225MA-4d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Civil War tokens addressed a practical problem: the wartime disappearance of federal small change made daily transactions nearly impossible without private substitutes. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Many Civil War tokens survive in high grades because merchants and the public saved them as novelties, resulting in a better average preservation than contemporary federal coins.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 7 cataloged varieties, Campbell & Calnon was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225MA-4d