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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from E.B. Smith, a Detroit, Michigan business. Detroit was Michigan's largest city and a major manufacturing center, producing stoves, railroad equipment, and industrial goods for the Northern war effort. E.B. Smith issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 225BS-2I) is scarce among the known varieties. Undated Civil War tokens like this one circulated alongside dated issues during the 1862-1864 period. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Fuld 225BS-2I