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

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Antisdel & Hills of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225D-3B. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. Antisdel & Hills issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 225D-3B) is common to somewhat scarce. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Brass planchets were readily available to die sinkers, making this a relatively accessible metal variant for collectors.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 7 cataloged varieties, Antisdel & Hills was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225D-3B