(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225BD-2I, MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War merchant token bearing the name of W. Perkins, Jr, located in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit was Michigan's largest city and a major manufacturing center, producing stoves, railroad equipment, and industrial goods for the Northern war effort. W. Perkins, Jr issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in zinc, this die combination (Fuld 225BD-2I) is scarce. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable. Over 25 million Civil War tokens were produced before Congress ended private coinage in April 1864, making them the largest private coinage movement in American history.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 225BD-2I