Hey guys. A local dealer called me and told me he received some new civil war tokens from a collector here in town. Out of the 30 or so that I could identify, this particular store card popped out at me. It wasn't the highest grade example in the mix, but it was interesting enough that I paid the cost of a large pizza to own it. From what I do know, it's an 1863 Merriam & Co. Boston, MA, on the obverse there is what appears to be a lizard/salamander along with the merchant's address. And on the reverse, there is a portrait of a dog with the inscription "Good for one Scent". I've tried looking through my Rulau tokens catalog but couldn't source it in there and the internet is coming up short of information. Anyone know the Fuld number, along with a bit more history and what an estimate of how much it would go for in the open market? It's a compelling, yet mysterious addition to my Civil War token memorabilia.
From ha.com Fuld-VA580A-1g. R.8. This is the only listed Civil War Store Card for the State of Virginia and one of the few store cards issued in a Confederate state. The token features the GOOD FOR ONE SCENT dog head die made by Jos. Merriam of Boston. The token is always crudely struck; the current piece has somewhat flattened but readable legends on the obverse while the reverse pictorial is set off by slightly darker fields. As the only Civil War token from the state, this piece is always in demand for a variety of reasons by a variety of collectors. (PCGS# 661178)
Thanks for the info Tim, the info you provided is for the rarer Virginia back. Which only a few examples exist, the Mass. back is slightly more common from what I've gathered from other forums.
Your token is actually listed under Boston, MA in Fuld kookoo and is designated MA115D-2a in copper and MA115D-2b in brass. The reverse die is #1284. Both are very rare, the copper being R-9 and the brass listed as R-8. Kanzinger estimated their value to be $1,250 in F/VF, but that was in 2002. It's anybody's guess what it's worth today. The token is very cool and a great find for you...congrats. If you're looking to sell it you might want to contact Steve Hayden on his website. I can't recall his address off hand, but you can Google his name with the word "tokens" and you'll get it. Bruce
So I received this token back from NGC, here is the final grading result. I'm overall pleased with the final verdict and the fact it came back problem free!
Very nice token. I've always kept my eye open for one of these myself. And for the price of a pizza you did very well indeed. Guy
I like that token - CWT's can just have such cool factor. So are I am only collecting the ones that were locally issued and bought a rare one that was found in a church garden last year - on the 4th of July no less.
Ironically you brought this up, the coin does look leagues better than when I first found it. I wouldn't be surprised if it did take a trip to NCS, but I didn't request that service. I was certain it would have been body bagged.
