My Deep Dive into the 1863 Story & Southworth Token

I was sorting through my collection the other day when an 1863 Story & Southworth token caught my eye. What began as a quick glance turned into weeks of research on Civil War-era numismatics. Along the way, I discovered some surprising history and collecting considerations that fellow enthusiasts might appreciate. Let me walk you through what makes this token special.

What Exactly Is This Token?

At first, I assumed it was just another merchant token. But I soon realized it’s a classic Civil War store card issued by Story & Southworth Grocery. Shopkeepers gave these to customers as redeemable credit – think Depression-era scrip or today’s coffee punch cards. The reverse shows a great eagle-on-shield design, cataloged as Fuld NY 630-BV 8a. If you’re starting with Civil War tokens, this series offers approachable history without breaking the bank.

Rarity vs. Reality

My piece carries an R-6 rating, meaning experts think only 21-76 survive. Sounds rare, right? But here’s something I learned: Story & Southworth produced over 100 varieties, so scarcity alone doesn’t guarantee value. You’ll find die numbers 30460 (obverse) and 1218 (reverse) on this type. When examining condition, check the eagle’s feathers and shield details first – wear there really affects appeal. While nice specimens command good prices at auction, I’ve seen folks overpay for “rare” pieces that aren’t actually scarce in context.

The Messy Truth About Origins

Here’s where things get interesting. Many Story & Southworth tokens – including this 1863-dated piece – weren’t actually wartime issues. Turns out Emil Sigel and his partners like Edward Groh produced them after the war, specifically targeting collectors. They churned out “rarities” using different die combinations and metals. Some numismatists enjoy this backstory, but I’ll admit it rubs me wrong. Give me tokens that actually changed hands during the Civil War – they feel more genuine to me.

Collecting Advice From Experience

If you’re considering one of these tokens, here’s what I’d suggest:

• Provenance Matters: Try to find pieces with documented history of actual use to avoid reproductions.
• Price Check: Don’t get swept up in R-6 hype – compare recent auction results before buying.
• Know Your Priorities: If manufactured rarities excite you, go for it! But if you prefer authentic history, consider less manipulated series.

This token reminds me how numismatics reflects both history and collector psychology. For me, asking “what’s the real story?” always makes the hobby more interesting. Happy collecting!