(1863) Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225BB-3I, Plated Geo. H. Parker MI

Coin Details

Auction Record

$432 MS64 09-21-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of Plated Geo. H. Parker, located 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. Plated Geo. H. Parker issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in nickel, this die combination (Fuld 225BB-3I) is scarce. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Nickel tokens were produced in smaller quantities than the standard copper issues. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 7 cataloged varieties, Plated Geo. H. Parker was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BB-3I