(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225AX-4I, MI

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Mather & Shefferly of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225AX-4I. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. Mather & Shefferly issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 225AX-4I) is scarce among the known varieties. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. 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.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 8 cataloged varieties, Mather & Shefferly was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225AX-4I