(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-225Z-3A, MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War store card issued by Wm. Eisenlord 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. Wm. Eisenlord issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 225Z-3A) is common. The absence of a date on this token is standard for the 1862-1864 era, when speed of production mattered more than formality. The dies for merchant tokens were usually cut by professional engravers who could produce a complete set in a matter of days. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. Collectors classify Civil War tokens by the Fuld numbering system, which catalogs each unique die combination with rarity ratings from R-1 (over 5,000 known) to R-10 (unique).

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings are generally the most common metal variant for Civil War store cards, as copper was the standard planchet material mimicking the federal cent. With 7 cataloged varieties, Wm. Eisenlord was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 225Z-3A