Discovering the 1863 Story & Southworth Civil War Token: A Collector’s Insight

I’ve always had a soft spot for obscure tokens from the Civil War era. Recently, I found myself captivated by one particular piece: the 1863 Story & Southworth token. Let me share what I learned about this fascinating bit of history and why it matters to collectors like us.

What’s the Story Behind This Token?

This Civil War store card came from the Story and Southworth Grocery store. Don’t think of it as real currency—it worked more like a redeemable coupon. The shop would hand these out for future use, similar to how modern stores give loyalty points. What I love about these tokens is how they capture the spirit of wartime commerce. You’ll still find them popping up in collections or even unearthed by metal detectorists today.

Spotting Key Identification Features

When examining this token, I focused on the details that make it special. Its catalog number is NY 630-BV 8a in the Fuld system—your starting point for research. With an R-6 rarity rating, experts believe only 21 to 76 exist. That’s scarce, but not impossible to find. The die numbers tell the rest of the story: obverse die 30460 and reverse die 1218 featuring that distinctive eagle-on-shield design. Keep these points in mind:

• Fuld Number: NY 630-BV 8a – your anchor when flipping through reference books
• Rarity Rating: R-6 – means condition dramatically affects value
• Die Varieties: Obverse die 30460, reverse die 1218 – check for crisp details, especially in the eagle shield

The Curious History Behind These Tokens

Here’s where things get interesting. These weren’t simple promotional items—they were crafted after the Civil War by Emil Sigel, a master token maker. He produced them specifically for numismatic groups like the American Numismatic Society, with collectors like Edward Groh and Joseph N. T. Levick involved. That’s why many of us view them differently than tokens that actually circulated. Sigel created variations in different metals and die combinations (we call them mulings) specifically to tempt collectors—a practice that still sparks debate today.

A Collector’s Dilemma

This is where numismatists often disagree. Some collectors prize these purely for their scarcity. Personally? I’m drawn to tokens that saw actual commercial use—they feel more rooted in history. These Story & Southworth pieces can sometimes feel like early collector gimmicks, not unlike modern limited editions. Their rarity does command strong prices, but I’d suggest checking provenance carefully. Make sure you’re paying for historical significance, not just clever marketing from another century.

Building Your Collection Wisely

If you’re considering adding one to your collection, here’s what I’ve learned through experience:

• Condition Matters Most: Seek pieces with sharp strikes and minimal wear—EF grades hold value best
• Reference Smartly: The CWT Store Card Book lists about 100 varieties for this merchant—cross-check Fuld numbers religiously
• Hunt Strategically: Check coin shows and online auctions, or if you detect, focus on Civil War sites
• Collect With Purpose: Decide early: are you chasing history or rarity? It shapes everything

Parting Thoughts

Studying the 1863 Story & Southworth token reminded me why I love this hobby—it’s history you can hold in your hand. While I question its “made-for-collectors” origin, I can’t deny the thrill of encountering one. If you find this token in the wild, take a moment to appreciate its backstory. Who knows? It might just become the centerpiece of your next collecting chapter.