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

Coin Details

Description

Merchant token from J. Schmidt of Detroit, Michigan, cataloged as Fuld 225BN-2I. 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. Schmidt issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 225BN-2I) is scarce among the known varieties. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. 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 tokens corrode easily, and surviving examples in good condition are scarce. After Congress banned private coinage in 1864, surviving tokens became instant collectibles, with serious collecting beginning within a decade of the war's end.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 225BN-2I