(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-525D-2D, MI

Coin Details

Description

W. Jaxon of Michigan issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. 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. W. Jaxon issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. Struck in copper-nickel, this die combination (Fuld 525D-2D) is somewhat scarce. This undated piece entered commerce during the 1862-1864 period when millions of private tokens replaced vanished federal coinage. Each unique combination of obverse and reverse dies constitutes a separate Fuld catalog number, even when struck in the same metal. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. 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 8 cataloged varieties, W. Jaxon was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 525D-2D