Counterfeit Detection: 1863 Michigan Civil War Store Card

NGC - Even extremely obscure numismatic items are prone to counterfeit attempts.

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A fascinating area of numismatics is tokens struck during the Civil War, including "Store Cards" that show the name of a business. These can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, creating an incentive for counterfeiters. A spurious example of a rare Civil War Store Card from Jackson, Michigan was recently submitted to Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®).


The counterfeit example demonstrates poor detail and dull, lumpy surfaces. The variety counterfeited is F-525C-11a.

Instead of being struck, the piece was likely cast, and its details appear quite "mushy." A normal Mint State example will render finer details (such as in the hair), and even an About Uncirculated coin would appear sharper. The flatness in the center of the obverse could be what the original piece looked like after a weak strike, but is more likely poor casting.

While counterfeits of Patriotic Civil War tokens can be found, examples of counterfeit Store Cards are uncommon.

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