(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225M-3I, MI

Coin Details

Description

Charles Busch, 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. Charles Busch issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 225M-3I) is scarce among the known varieties. Although undated, this token was produced during the 1862-1864 period when federal coins disappeared from commerce. Token production was a specialized trade — die sinkers maintained catalogs of stock dies that merchants could pair with custom obverses. 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. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 8 cataloged varieties, Charles Busch was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225M-3I