(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-225BR-2i, J.B. Shagnon MI

Coin Details

Auction Record

$456 MS64 09-21-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

J.B. Shagnon 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. With 2 known varieties, J.B. Shagnon produced a modest number of token types. This zinc striking (Fuld 225BR-2i) is scarce among the known varieties. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable. 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 2 cataloged varieties, J.B. Shagnon was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 225BR-2i