Civil War tokens offer insight into the economic conditions and patriotic spirit of America during one of its most challenging eras. These tokens provide a rewarding opportunity for collectors to engage with Civil War-era commerce and symbolism with rich history and historic details.
What Are Civil War Tokens?
During the Civil War, coin hoarding resulted in a shortage of small change. In response, private merchants issued tokens for basic transactions. These tokens served as functional currency and as advertising or political statements and fell into two main categories:
- Patriotic Tokens, which featured slogans and symbols in support of the Union, such as shields, flags, and eagles.
- Store Cards, including business names, addresses, and promotional messages on the obverse, with varied symbolic or decorative designs on the reverse.
Tips for Collecting Civil War Tokens
Research and Education
Study tokens through reference books and join organizations such as the Civil War Token Society (CWTS) for expert insights.
Set a Budget
Tokens and medals range in price depending on rarity and condition. Start with affordable examples that are pleasing to your eye and build your collection over time.
Assess Condition and Grading
Certified tokens from respected grading authorities like NGC and PCGS offer verified authenticity and grading, helping you make informed purchases.
Build Relationships
Attend coin shows and engage with other collectors and learn from their expertise.
Protect Your Collection
Organize your collection and store tokens in coin holders or albums to prevent damage. Handle them with gloves to avoid contamination from oils and dirt.
Why Start with Cincinnati Civil War Tokens?
Cincinnati tokens were needed as the city served as a hub for the Union Army. Cincinnati was also a major commercial center and a key location for manufacturing, so the need for small change to keep commerce operating was critical.
Civil War tokens from Cincinnati, Ohio, are available in numerous designs and types, including patriotic tokens and store cards, making them accessible and interesting for new collectors. Because of their availability, Cincinnati tokens are relatively affordable, making them the perfect option for starting a new collection without a significant investment.
Cincinnati Tokens
1876 Cragin & Co. Civil War Token
- Issuer: I.L. Cragin & Co.
- Obverse: Displays the text “I.L. Cragin & Co.” and business details promoting Dobbins Electric Soap.
- Reverse: Often features a bust reminiscent of the famous Libertas Americana medal, symbolizing liberty and commerce.
- Value: Around $300 for MS-61 examples.
- Significance: Although this Cragin & Co token was issued after the Civil War, these tokens are valued for their historical connection and affordability, which makes them accessible to new collectors.
1864 C. Sutton’s New Grocer Token
- Issuer: C. Sutton, a Cincinnati-based grocer.
- Obverse: Features the name “C. Sutton New Grocer” with the store’s location.
- Reverse: Displays symbols like the American flag or eagle. Some versions feature a laurel wreath encircling the flag.
- Value: Approximately $1,200 for tokens in the MS-64 grade.
- Significance: Collectors appreciate this token for its blend of historic local business promotion and patriotic imagery.
1864 E. Townley Hives and Bees Token
- Issuer: E. Townley.
- Obverse: Reads “E. Townley Hives & Bees Mount Auburn Cincinnati,” arranged in six lines of text with a structured layout.
- Reverse: Depicts a bust of an Indian Princess facing left, framed by 13 stars and the date “1864” at the bottom.
- Value: Approximately $600 for MS-65 graded examples.
- Significance: This token’s agricultural theme, with a focus on beekeeping, sets it apart, making it especially appealing to collectors interested in rural and agrarian history.
1864 Cincinnati F. Sheen Grover Token
- Issuer: F. Sheen, a Cincinnati grocer.
- Obverse: Features a finely engraved bust of an Indian Princess facing left, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. The year “1864” appears at the bottom.
- Reverse: Displays the text “F. Sheen Grocer,” along with the business address, framed by a circular decorative pattern.
- Value: Around $811 for an MS-65 example.
- Significance: This token is rare and notable for its intricate obverse design, which reflects the high craftsmanship of Civil War-era engravers.
1864 Cincinnati Stalkamp Grocery Store Token
- Issuer: H. Stalkamp, another grocer in Cincinnati.
- Obverse: Features the text “H. Stalkamp Grocer” with the store’s address in Cincinnati. The lettering is clean and bold, often framed by a decorative border.
- Reverse: Depicts a patriotic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, a symbol of strength and peace. Alternately, some versions feature a shield or stars encircling the eagle.
- Value: About $800 for an MS-65 graded token.
- Significance: This token exemplifies the merging of business advertising and national pride, making it highly sought after by collectors.
