1861–1865 New York Civil War Token: Mittnacht’s Eagle Safe (F-630BA-2a)
Historical & Store Card Context
During the height of the American Civil War, hoarding caused a severe nation-wide shortage of federally minted small copper and silver change. To facilitate daily commerce, merchants across northern cities commissioned private brass and copper merchant tokens (known as "Civil War Store Cards").
Issued for Jacob Mittnacht’s Eagle Safe Company in New York City, this iconic merchant token advertises one of the premier iron safe and vault manufacturers located at 23 Spring Street. Mittnacht's firm produced heavy fireproof safes and security vaults during an era when financial panic made personal home and shop iron safes essential. Featuring a bold depiction of an iron safe topped by an American eagle, this token served both as a circulating cent piece in wartime New York and as a durable trade card for Mittnacht's security business.
Item Specifications
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Attribution: Fuld F-630BA-2a (New York City, NY)
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Merchant / Business: Mittnacht’s Eagle Safe Co.
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Era: Civil War Period (1861–1865)
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Grade: NGC MS 62 BN (Mint State 62 Brown)
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Metal / Composition: Copper
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Obverse Description: Detailed rendering of an iron security safe resting on feet, surmounted by an American eagle with outstretched wings. Surrounded by the business inscription:
J. MITTNACHT'S EAGLE SAFE / 23 SPRING ST. N.Y. -
Reverse Description: Classical merchant attribution dies, featuring bold crisp lettering outlining manufacturing details and location.
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Census / Population Rarity: Highly collectible uncirculated survivor. Certified by NGC with a tight population of only 10 in MS 62 BN, with 35 graded higher across all brown designations.
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Packaging: Encapsulated in a official NGC protective holder; includes a custom glass-top leatherette presentation box, perfect for immediate display, safe storage, or gifting.
"An outstanding uncirculated example of New York Civil War exonumia history. Issued between 1861 and 1865 for Jacob Mittnacht's Eagle Safe Company at 23 Spring Street, this merchant store card features a detailed engraving of a heavy iron safe guarded by a spread-winged American eagle. Certified MS 62 BN by NGC—with just 10 graded in this tier—this token pairs rich chocolate-brown lustre with crisp strike details. Accompanied by a glass-top leatherette presentation box, it makes a premier addition for Civil War token specialists and New York trade card collectors."
