(1863) Brass Civil War Store Card F-630M-13b, Broas Brothers NY

Coin Details

Description

Broas Brothers of New York produced this token as a cent substitute during the wartime coin shortage. Broas Brothers Pie Bakers at 131 41st Street in New York City issued tokens under this name alongside the related "Broas Pie Baker" series. Together the Broas family produced nearly 30 die varieties, one of the most extensive series from any single New York merchant. Struck in brass, this die combination (Fuld 630M-13b) is common to somewhat scarce. The token trade was competitive, with die sinkers in New York, Cincinnati, and other cities vying for merchant orders across the region. The hoarding of federal coinage created an acute shortage of small change, prompting thousands of merchants to issue tokens as practical substitutes. Brass tokens are moderately available, with their yellowish color distinguishing them from the standard copper issues.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more available metal variants, though typically less common than copper. With 40 cataloged varieties, Broas Brothers was a substantial producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 630M-13b