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

Coin Details

Description

Edward Kanter, based in Detroit, Michigan, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime 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. Edward Kanter issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225AQ-3D) is somewhat scarce. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. 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 6 cataloged varieties, Edward Kanter was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225AQ-3D