(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225AN-2B, MI

Coin Details

Description

Jacob Hochstadt, a Detroit merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Detroit was Michigan's largest city and a major manufacturing center, producing stoves, railroad equipment, and industrial goods for the Northern war effort. Jacob Hochstadt issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 225AN-2B) is common to somewhat scarce. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Brass strikings are among the more available variants, though less common than copper.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 6 cataloged varieties, Jacob Hochstadt was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225AN-2B