-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 43014
The Civil War Store Card New York City NY--John Quinn Grocer NY630BG-6a RB UNC offers a fascinating glimpse into the economic landscape of New York City during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. Issued during the American Civil War, this store card played a crucial role in addressing the shortage of small denomination coins caused by the war.
The American Civil War, which raged from 1861 to 1865, was a defining moment in the nation's history, marked by political upheaval and social unrest. The conflict between the Northern Union states and the Southern Confederate states had significant economic consequences, disrupting trade and commerce across the country.
The design of the John Quinn Grocer store card typically features a central motif surrounded by text identifying the business and its location. The obverse may include the name of the merchant, John Quinn Grocer, along with imagery or symbols associated with the business, such as fruits, vegetables, or grocery items. The reverse side may contain additional information, such as the token's denomination or a patriotic slogan.
These store cards were privately minted by businesses to serve as a substitute for official coinage, which became scarce during the war. Made of copper or brass, they were smaller in size than official U.S. coins and were not officially sanctioned by the government. However, they were widely accepted as currency by local merchants and consumers alike.
The mintage of store cards like the John Quinn Grocer token varied depending on the needs of individual businesses and the availability of materials and minting facilities. Some businesses issued only a limited number of tokens, while others produced larger quantities to meet the demands of their customers.
Denominated according to the needs of the issuing business, store cards like the John Quinn Grocer token would have been used as currency in everyday transactions, much like official coins. The denomination of these tokens typically corresponded to the value of goods or services offered by the merchant.
Condition is an essential factor in determining the value of store cards like the John Quinn Grocer token. Graded as UNC, or Uncirculated, this particular specimen exhibits no signs of wear and retains its original mint luster. With sharp details and no visible flaws, it stands as a pristine example of Civil War-era numismatic artistry.
In conclusion, the Civil War Store Card New York City NY--John Quinn Grocer NY630BG-6a RB UNC serves as both a numismatic artifact and a tangible reminder of the economic challenges faced by businesses and consumers during the Civil War era. Its design and historical significance offer valuable insights into the local business community of New York City and the role of store cards in addressing the shortage of small change during this tumultuous period in American history.