(1861) Brass Civil War Store Card F-450E-1b, French & Parsons MI

Coin Details

Description

French & Parsons, a Hillsdale merchant, issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. G. Parsons operated a fireworks business in New York City and issued tokens advertising "G. PARSONS FIREWORKS" in 1863. Some varieties are extremely rare (R-8), including a German Silver striking that is unique as the only certified example. The large number of die combinations indicates either a long production run or deliberate creation of varieties. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 450E-1b) is common to somewhat scarce. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. The brass composition gives this token a warm golden tone that contrasts with the reddish-brown of copper strikings.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 2 cataloged varieties, French & Parsons was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 450E-1b