1864 Token LU-G-4d Copper-Nickel Segars Tobacco

Coin Details

Auction Record

$480 MS65 10-14-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This copper-nickel token (LU-G-4d) was issued by a cigar and tobacco merchant during the Civil War. "Segars" is an archaic spelling of "cigars" common in the mid-nineteenth century. The LU (Location Unknown) designation indicates the merchant's city and state cannot be definitively determined from the token's die inscriptions. Tobacco merchants were prolific issuers of Civil War store cards, as tobacco shops were among the most common retail establishments in wartime America. This copper-nickel striking is somewhat scarcer than pure copper versions. The copper-nickel composition gives this token a distinctive color and hardness compared to traditional copper planchets. Copper-nickel tokens are less common than pure copper issues and are sought after for their resemblance to federal small cents. Collector interest in merchant store cards has grown as the tokens are increasingly recognized as primary historical documents of 19th century commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel composition, matching federal small change introduced in 1857.