(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225CA-4D, MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Goff Stenton 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. Goff Stenton issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225CA-4D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Most Civil War store cards carry no date; this token was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage era. Many Civil War tokens share common reverse dies, as die sinkers paired merchant-specific obverses with stock patriotic or advertising reverses. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. The copper-nickel composition gave these tokens the closest resemblance to federal coinage of any metal variant.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 6 cataloged varieties, Goff Stenton was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225CA-4D