(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225BJ-3I, MI

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by J.A. Rodier, operating in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. J.A. Rodier issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The zinc composition of this variety (Fuld 225BJ-3I) is scarce for this merchant. Undated Civil War tokens like this one circulated alongside dated issues during the 1862-1864 period. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Zinc tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 7 cataloged varieties, J.A. Rodier was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BJ-3I