(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225BS-3A, MI

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from E.B. Smith of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225BS-3A. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. E.B. Smith issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 225BS-3A) is common. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. 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. Token production peaked in 1863 when the coin shortage was most acute, with die sinkers working around the clock to fill merchant orders.

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 6 cataloged varieties, E.B. Smith was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BS-3A