(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225CS-3D, MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Henry Wolff of Detroit, Michigan. Detroit was Michigan's largest city and a major manufacturing center, producing stoves, railroad equipment, and industrial goods for the Northern war effort. With 4 known varieties, Henry Wolff produced a modest number of token types. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 225CS-3D) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Civil War tokens rarely bear dates. This piece was struck during the 1862-1864 coin shortage, when merchants needed emergency small change. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Congress banned private token issuance in April 1864, but before that, tokens like this one circulated freely as cent substitutes in Northern commerce. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 4 cataloged varieties, Henry Wolff was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 225CS-3D