1863 Token F-NY-630L-18b GW-663 Broas Brothers Brass

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS66 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1863 Civil War store card token F-NY-630L-18b (GW-663) in brass was issued by Broas Brothers, a New York bakery firm. Broas Brothers was one of the most prolific issuers of Civil War store card tokens, producing numerous varieties bearing their business name for use as small change. The Washington portrait obverse gave their store cards patriotic cachet. The Fuld catalog number F-NY-630L identifies this as a New York City store card, with "18b" indicating the brass metallic variant. Broas Brothers tokens are among the most commonly encountered Civil War store cards, as the firm's large retail operation required substantial quantities of emergency currency. Brass composition provides the golden appearance distinguishing this piece from the more common copper Broas Brothers tokens. Washington's image served both patriotic and commercial purposes.

Rarity Notes

Fuld NY-630L-18b in brass. Broas Brothers tokens are well documented. Brass is less common than copper.

Cross References

Fuld NY-630L-18b; Musante-Baker GW-663; PCGS #785185; Broas Brothers, New York