(1863) Copper Civil War Store Card F-225A-3A, W.J. Adderley MI

Coin Details

Description

W.J. Adderly of Detroit issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War 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. The 12 cataloged varieties for W.J. Adderly indicate a notable level of token production. This copper striking (Fuld 225A-3A) is common among the known varieties. 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. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.

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 12 cataloged varieties, W.J. Adderly was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225A-3A