(1863) Zinc Civil War Store Card F-85B-2i, Wm. R. Cobb MI

Coin Details

Description

Wm. R. Cobb of Brighton issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Michigan was a significant industrial state during the Civil War, with Detroit emerging as a major manufacturing center and merchants across the state producing tokens. Wm. R. Cobb issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 85B-2i) is scarce 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. 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 7 cataloged varieties, Wm. R. Cobb was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 85B-2i