(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225CA-2B, MI

Coin Details

Description

Store card of Goff Stenton in Detroit, Michigan, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. Detroit's growing industrial economy made it a significant source of Civil War tokens, with merchants across the city issuing pieces to maintain commerce. Goff Stenton issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This brass striking (Fuld 225CA-2B) is common to somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Like the majority of Civil War store cards, this token is undated, produced during the acute 1862-1864 small change crisis. Merchants typically ordered tokens from die-sinkers who maintained inventories of patriotic and advertising dies for rapid production. Store cards circulated as emergency currency after wartime hoarding removed federal coins from commercial channels. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 6 cataloged varieties, Goff Stenton was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225CA-2B