(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225K-2A, MI

Coin Details

Description

Broeg & Gerber, a Detroit merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. Broeg & Gerber issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper composition of this variety (Fuld 225K-2A) is common for this merchant. Civil War tokens rarely bear dates. This piece was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage, when merchants needed emergency small change. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

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 8 cataloged varieties, Broeg & Gerber was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225K-2A