(1864) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-225A-8d, W.J. Adderley MI

Coin Details

Description

Store card of W.J. Adderly in Detroit, Michigan, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. As Michigan's commercial hub, Detroit generated more Civil War token varieties than any other city in the state, reflecting its diverse merchant community. The 12 cataloged varieties for W.J. Adderly indicate a notable level of token production. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225A-8d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. The cent-sized format was chosen deliberately to match the federal Indian Head cent, the coin most conspicuously absent from daily commerce.

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-8d