American
Civil War tokens are one of the most fascinating areas of numismatic history
to study. These copper pieces, of which about 11,000 varieties have been
identified, were issued between 1861 and 1865, at a time when there was almost
universal hoarding of hard currency. There are two basic types of Civil
War tokens: the "store cards," which included the name of the
sponsor who would redeem the token for cash, and the "patriotic"
tokens, which displayed no advertising. Two of each type are offered
below. To learn more about this branch of exonumia, I recommend that you
buy a copy of Russell Rulau's Standard Catalogue of United States Tokens
1700-1900, available from Bowers
and Merena, among others.
The four tokens listed below have all been attributed and graded by SEGS.
Price: $15 each, or the three remaining for $40.
[All are now SOLD]
1. 1863 Patriotic CWT #207/409, displaying "The Flag of our
Union" on one side and a gentle message on the other side: "If
anybody attempts to tear it down, shoot him on the spot." SEGS has
graded this token as "MS-60 Reverse Scratch." The scratch,
which is not at all obtrusive without the aid of a glass, runs from above the
X of DIX to the T of IT.
2. Undated store card CWT #35B-1a, issued by A. W. Wallace's Variety
Bakery, Bridgeport, CT. This token has a rarity rating of 3
("scarce," with over 200 examples extant). SEGS has assigned a
grade of MS-60 brown.
3. 1863 store card CWT #630AQ-3, issued by Gustavus Lindenmueller, a
New York brewer. The reverse has a depiction of a beer mug. SEGS
has graded this piece AU-55. There's a large cud connecting stars 4 and
5.
4. 1863 Patriotic CWT #239/421, displaying the famous ship "Our
Little Monitor" on one side and a wreath with anchor, crossed cannons,
and the date on the other. SEGS AU-55.
[SOLD]
