(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225AO-1A, MI

Coin Details

Description

C.J. Holthofer, a Detroit merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. The 10 cataloged varieties for C.J. Holthofer indicate a notable level of token production. The copper composition of this variety (Fuld 225AO-1A) is common for this merchant. Civil War tokens rarely bear dates. This piece was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage, when merchants needed emergency small change. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 10 cataloged varieties, C.J. Holthofer was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225AO-1A