(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-225BG-3i, Randal's MI
Strike Type
Coin Details
Description
Merchant token from Randal's of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225BG-3i. Detroit was Michigan's largest city and a major manufacturing center, producing stoves, railroad equipment, and industrial goods for the Northern war effort. The 10 cataloged varieties for Randal's indicate a notable level of token production. Struck in zinc, this die combination (Fuld 225BG-3i) is scarce. 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. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce. George and Melvin Fuld's catalog remains the standard reference for Civil War tokens, with each variety assigned a unique identification number.
Rarity Notes
Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 10 cataloged varieties, Randal's was a notable token issuer.
Cross References
Fuld 225BG-3i
External References
Error Varieties
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