(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-450G-7D, MI

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by A. Gleason, operating in Hillsdale, Michigan. Michigan was a significant industrial state during the Civil War, with Detroit emerging as a major manufacturing center and merchants across the state producing tokens. A. Gleason issued 6 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 450G-7D) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. The absence of a date is typical for Civil War tokens produced during the 1862-1864 emergency currency period. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. Between 1862 and 1864, Northern merchants produced millions of private tokens to compensate for the disappearance of federal coinage. 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 6 cataloged varieties, A. Gleason was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 450G-7D