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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of J. Schmidt, located in Detroit, Michigan. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. J. Schmidt issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 225BN-2B) is common to somewhat scarce. 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. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Brass was the second most common planchet material after copper, giving tokens a golden appearance.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 225BN-2B