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

Coin Details

Description

John Schroder & Co., 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. John Schroder & Co. issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 225BO-3D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Undated Civil War tokens like this one circulated alongside dated issues during the 1862-1864 period. 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. 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 7 cataloged varieties, John Schroder & Co. was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BO-3D