(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225U-4d, Godfrey Dean & Co MI
Strike Type
Coin Details
Description
Godfrey Dean & Co 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. The 10 cataloged varieties for Godfrey Dean & Co indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225U-4d) is somewhat scarce. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. 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.
Rarity Notes
Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 10 cataloged varieties, Godfrey Dean & Co was a notable token issuer.
Cross References
Fuld 225U-4d
External References
Error Varieties
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