(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-5F-1A, MI

Coin Details

Description

Wm. S. Wicox, based in Adrian, Michigan, produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Michigan's merchants across numerous cities actively produced tokens to combat the small change shortage affecting Northern commerce. With 4 known varieties, Wm. S. Wicox produced a modest number of token types. Struck in copper, this die combination (Fuld 5F-1A) is common. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. 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. Civil War store cards are collected both as numismatic items and as historical documents of wartime American commerce.

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 4 cataloged varieties, Wm. S. Wicox was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 5F-1A