1863 Story & Southworth token?

Not sure if this is anything, again out of the collection, I am guessing a token of some kind but not sure if it’s something people would be interested in?

Many thanks in advance

Allan

 

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I don't collect Civil War tokens but that's what it looks like to me.

 

https://ebay.us/m/qyJgnQ
https://ebay.us/m/7zHa7e

 

Does anyone, maybe someone who lived in the day, know how exactly these were used? Like modern coins from Say Big Y Supermarket??
Always want to find one Metal Detecting.....

 

Many thanks, it points me in the right direction!

 

The Story and Southworth Grocery store issued many varieties of Civil War tokens. The Fuld number on this one is NY 630-BV 8a. It is rated as an R-6 variety, estimated 21 to 76 known. I'm not sure how important that is given the the merchant is not that rare. The inidvidual die numbers are 30460/1218. "1218" in the stock die with the eagle atop the shield on the reverse.

 

Fantastic! appreciate the time and your knowledge

 

Store tokens like this were handed out by the store and could be redeemed at a later day. Similar to todays store coupons.

 

The might be 100 varieties of Story and Southworth tokens in the current CWT Store Card Book. I'm not going to take the time to count them all.

According the notes on this merchant. "this series was a playground for making numismatic rarities." They were made by and for the American Numismatic Society in New York City after the Civil War by token and die maker, Emil Sigel. The people involved included Edward Groh, Joseph N. T. Levick and others.

You see this for quite a few CWTs which were made in various metals and die combinations (mulings) for collectors. I am not impressed by these "made up" rarities even though they are from the 19th century. I prefer tokens that were made for use commerce.

 

Very interesting and it seems kind of sleazy. More of a promotional item than something "good for" actual commerce.

 

Some collectors are fascinated with rarity, even when it’s phony and manufactured. Look at the excitement the mint has created with the “rare hallmark” nonsense. I have zero interest in spending money on such things.