(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-180A-2D, MI

Coin Details

Description

Store card of M.H. Clark in Clarkston, Michigan, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. 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. M.H. Clark issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 180A-2D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Civil War tokens rarely bear dates. This piece was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage, when merchants needed emergency small change. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 8 cataloged varieties, M.H. Clark was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 180A-2D