(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225AA-3D, MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Farmers Clothing Store of Michigan. Michigan was a significant industrial state during the Civil War, with Detroit emerging as a major manufacturing center and merchants across the state producing tokens. Farmers Clothing Store issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 225AA-3D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 225AA-3D