1863 Token GW-663, Broas Brothers NY
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
$120 MS65BN 04-26-2022 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1863 token GW-663, issued by Broas Brothers of New York, is a Civil War store card bearing George Washington's portrait. Broas Brothers operated a bakery business in New York City and was one of the most active issuers of Civil War tokens. Their tokens circulated widely as substitutes for hoarded federal cents. This piece is cataloged under Musante-Baker GW-663. Broas Brothers tokens are among the most familiar Civil War store cards, and multiple die varieties and compositions are documented. The firm's name appears on the reverse alongside business-related text, while Washington's portrait provided patriotic credibility for public acceptance. The Broas Brothers token illustrates the remarkable entrepreneurial response to the wartime coin shortage. Merchants gained a double benefit — solving the practical problem of making change while advertising their businesses to every person who handled their tokens.
Rarity Notes
GW-663. Broas Brothers tokens are among the more available Civil War store cards. Rarity depends on die variety and composition.
Cross References
Musante-Baker GW-663; PCGS #521372; Broas Brothers, New York
External References
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