(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225F-5D, MI

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from L.W. Barie of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225F-5D. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. The 11 cataloged varieties for L.W. Barie indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225F-5D) is somewhat scarce. 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. 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. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 11 cataloged varieties, L.W. Barie was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225F-5D