(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225A-1d, W.J. Adderley MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of W.J. Adderly, located in Detroit, Michigan. 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. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 225A-1d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 12 cataloged varieties, W.J. Adderly was a notable token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225A-1d