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The Civil War Store Card from New York City issued by Broas Pie Bakers in 1863 is a significant piece of American numismatic history. This store card, cataloged as NY630M-9i, is part of the broader category of private-issue scrip that was used during the American Civil War due to a shortage of federal coinage. Store cards were issued by merchants to allow customers to buy goods in exchange for credit, which could be redeemed at the issuing merchant's business. The Broas Pie Bakers store card reflects the ingenuity of local businesses in maintaining commerce during a turbulent time in American history when the scarcity of coins hindered everyday transactions.
Broas Pie Bakers, a business in New York City during the Civil War, issued this store card as a form of local currency. The card was likely used to purchase goods at their establishment, specifically pies and baked goods, which were staples for many households in the city. The use of such scrip was crucial at a time when the nation was embroiled in a conflict that disrupted regular supply chains, and the coinage necessary to facilitate trade was in short supply. As one of the more well-known businesses in New York, Broas Pie Bakers became part of the extensive network of local merchants across the North who issued their own currency to continue trade in the absence of a sufficient supply of small change.
The design of the Broas Pie Bakers store card features several key elements common to scrip from this era. The obverse displays the name of the business, "Broas Pie Bakers," along with the location, "New York City." The denomination of the card, "One Country," is also prominently displayed, referring to the value of the card as an exchange for one country’s worth of goods or services from the merchant. The use of the term "One Country" was not an uncommon practice for store cards, and it served as a simple, widely understood way to assign value to the notes. Surrounding the central text are decorative flourishes and geometric designs, which were often employed to make the notes more attractive and harder to counterfeit.
The reverse side of the store card typically displayed additional details to reinforce the card’s validity and reinforce the fact that it was redeemable at the issuing merchant’s business. While the reverse side of this particular example may have been simply a continuation of the obverse design or additional text confirming the value and purpose of the card, many store cards from the period featured similar designs and printing techniques. The most important aspect of the reverse was the assurance that the card was legitimate and could be used to buy goods at the Broas Pie Bakers establishment.
The minting of store cards like this Broas Pie Bakers scrip was typically not handled by government mints. Instead, local printing presses or private engravers created the notes. This often meant that the quality and design of the store cards could vary significantly depending on the resources and skill of the printer. The Broas Pie Bakers card was likely printed using standard methods of the time, possibly at a local print shop in New York City. Its design would have been engraved or printed on paper, which was relatively inexpensive and easy to produce compared to metal coins. These notes, while not as durable as coins, served their purpose in allowing businesses to continue operations and allowing people to make purchases when regular currency was in short supply.
The Broas Pie Bakers store card from 1863 is particularly notable due to its preservation and its representation of the economic conditions of the Civil War period. The card is graded as AU (About Uncirculated), meaning it retains most of its original sharpness and detail, with minimal wear. This grade indicates that the card was either lightly used or very well-preserved over the years. The card shows some minor signs of handling, but it is in overall excellent condition for its age, especially considering its status as a piece of private-issue currency that would have been subjected to considerable use and circulation in the mid-19th century.
The material composition of the Broas Pie Bakers store card is an important feature in understanding the era’s reliance on easily accessible materials. This particular store card was made of zinc, a relatively cheap and durable metal that was commonly used for a variety of small denominations and tokens in the 19th century. Zinc was affordable, and when combined with its ability to withstand wear and tear, it was a popular choice for the production of low-value scrip. Zinc-based store cards were also lighter than their copper counterparts, making them easier to handle and distribute. However, they did not have the lasting power of coinage and were often replaced by more stable forms of money once the Civil War ended and the economy returned to a more stable footing.
The mintage of store cards like this Broas Pie Bakers card was typically very small and localized, meaning that the surviving examples are rare. The mintage figures for these types of private-issue notes are not always well-documented, as they were not produced by a central authority and were instead created by individual merchants for their own use. As such, it is difficult to estimate the exact number of Broas Pie Bakers store cards that were originally issued. However, it is likely that only a small number of these cards survived the test of time, particularly given the fact that they were intended for everyday use and were not meant to last for long periods. Surviving examples are highly sought after by collectors of Civil War-era scrip and U.S. numismatics due to their rarity and historical significance.
The condition of the Broas Pie Bakers store card plays an essential role in its value to collectors. The AU grade of this particular card signifies that it has been preserved relatively well despite its age. Minor surface abrasions, light discoloration, and small folds are typical for store cards of this period, but the card still retains much of its original sharpness and appeal. Collectors often look for store cards that are well-preserved, as high-grade examples are rare and provide the best insight into the quality and craftsmanship of the time.
In conclusion, the Broas Pie Bakers store card from New York City, issued in 1863 during the Civil War, is a fascinating and historically significant piece of numismatic history. It reflects the ingenuity and adaptability of merchants who played a crucial role in ensuring the continued flow of commerce during a time of national crisis. This particular store card, with its well-preserved design and condition, serves as a unique artifact of the Civil War era and a testament to the resilience of local businesses during difficult times. For collectors, the Broas Pie Bakers store card represents a rare and valuable glimpse into the economy of the 1860s and the creative solutions businesses found to navigate the financial challenges of the Civil War.