(1863) Nickel Civil War Store Card F-630BV-21c, Story & Southworth NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$235 MS64 10-09-2023 eBay

Description

This Civil War token was issued by Story & Southworth in New York. Story & Southworth operated a grocery store in New York City. While some original wartime varieties are scarce (R-6, with only 21-76 estimated survivors), the series is notable because post-war producers Emil Sigel and Edward Groh later created over 100 additional die combinations using the original obverse die, requiring careful distinction between wartime originals and post-war restrikes. Struck in nickel, this die combination (Fuld 630BV-21c) is scarce. Die sinkers produced these tokens on hand-operated screw presses, often filling orders for multiple merchants simultaneously. Merchant-issued tokens circulated as substitutes for scarce federal coinage throughout the Northern states between 1862 and 1864. Pure nickel pieces are harder to strike than copper, contributing to their relative scarcity.

Rarity Notes

Nickel strikings are generally scarcer than copper or brass versions, as nickel was more expensive and harder to strike. With 111 cataloged varieties, Story & Southworth was one of the most prolific merchants in the series.

Cross References

Fuld 630BV-21c