(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-45A-3I, MI

Coin Details

Description

This Civil War token was issued by F.J. & J. Palmer's, operating in Atlas, 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. F.J. & J. Palmer's issued 7 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in zinc, this die combination (Fuld 45A-3I) is scarce. This undated token was struck circa 1862-1864 during the wartime coin shortage. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. Zinc strikings are uncommon and prone to corrosion, making preserved examples desirable.

Rarity Notes

Zinc strikings are relatively uncommon and prone to corrosion, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable. With 7 cataloged varieties, F.J. & J. Palmer's was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 45A-3I