(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225S-4d, C.L. Crosby MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from C.L. Crosby, a Detroit, Michigan business. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. C.L. Crosby issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225S-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. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. The cent-sized format was chosen deliberately to match the federal Indian Head cent, the coin most conspicuously absent from daily commerce.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 225S-4d