(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225M-4D, MI

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Charles Busch, operating in Detroit, Michigan. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. Charles Busch issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225M-4D) is somewhat scarce. This undated piece entered commerce during the 1862-1864 period when millions of private tokens replaced vanished federal coinage. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. 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. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 8 cataloged varieties, Charles Busch was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225M-4D