(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-630AB-1d, A. Gavron. NY

Coin Details

Description

A. Gavron. of New York issued this Civil War store card during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. Amelia Gavron operated a sausage-making business at 213 Bowery and 102 Pitt Street in New York City. She is one of the very few female merchants known to have issued Civil War tokens, making her pieces especially significant. Her tokens read "A. GAVRON / SAUSAGES / FOR PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION / 1863" and were struck in copper-nickel. Most varieties are rated R-8 or higher, making Gavron's tokens among the rarest NYC store cards. The copper-nickel composition of this variety (Fuld 630AB-1d) is somewhat scarce for this merchant. Die sinkers offered merchants a choice of metals, with copper being cheapest and most common, while silver and gold were struck for collectors. The token era ended when Congress authorized new federal small-denomination currency and criminalized private token production in 1864. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 41 cataloged varieties, A. Gavron. was a substantial producer of Civil War tokens.

Cross References

Fuld 630AB-1d