(No Date) Civil War Store Card F-615A-2I, MI

Coin Details

Description

Civil War-era store card from J.W. Phelps & Co, a Mason, Michigan business. 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. With 4 known varieties, J.W. Phelps & Co produced a modest number of token types. Struck in zinc, this die combination (Fuld 615A-2I) is scarce. No date appears on this token, consistent with the rapid production practices of the 1862-1864 Civil War token boom. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. Private tokens entered circulation after the suspension of specie payments in late 1861 drained small change from commerce. 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 4 cataloged varieties, J.W. Phelps & Co was a limited producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 615A-2I