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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Alonzo Rolfe of 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. Alonzo Rolfe issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in zinc, this die combination (Fuld 225BK-2I) is scarce. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. 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. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 6 cataloged varieties, Alonzo Rolfe was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BK-2I