(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225BB-3B, MI

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from Plated Geo. H. Parker of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225BB-3B. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. Plated Geo. H. Parker issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This brass striking (Fuld 225BB-3B) is common to somewhat scarce among the known varieties. 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. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. The brass composition gives this token a warm golden tone that contrasts with the reddish-brown of copper strikings.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 7 cataloged varieties, Plated Geo. H. Parker was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BB-3B