(1861-65) German-Silver Civil War Store Card F-95D-3j, T. Ivory NY

Coin Details

Description

Store card of T. Ivory in New York, struck during the 1862-1864 token era. T. Ivory operated a billiard saloon at the corner of Fulton and Orange Streets in Brooklyn. His tokens feature a bust of George Washington on the reverse inscribed "THE WASHINGTON TOKEN. 1863." One variety was struck over an 1857 Seated Liberty Dime, with traces of the original coin still visible — making overstrike varieties especially prized among specialists. This german-silver striking (Fuld 95D-3j) is scarce among the known varieties. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Federal coinage vanished from circulation after 1861 as citizens hoarded silver and copper for their metal value, leaving merchants to fill the void with tokens. German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are sought after for their distinctive bright appearance.

Rarity Notes

German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and are sought after for their distinctive silvery appearance. With 27 cataloged varieties, T. Ivory was a moderately active token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 95D-3j