(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225AG-2D, MI

Coin Details

Description

F. Gies & Bro's of Michigan produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. 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. F. Gies & Bro's issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 225AG-2D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from 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, F. Gies & Bro's was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225AG-2D