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

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from Yankee Smith's, a Detroit, Michigan business. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. Yankee Smith's issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This zinc striking (Fuld 225BV-3I) is scarce among the known varieties. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. 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.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 8 cataloged varieties, Yankee Smith's was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225BV-3I