Civil War Trade Token: Felix Kosher Dining Saloon, 256 Broadway, New York City

Civil War-era trade token issued by the Felix Kosher Dining Saloon located at 256 Broadway in New York City. The token's obverse depicts an Indian head and the year 1863; the reverse displays the name "Felix Kosher" (in Hebrew) and the saloon's address. Issued during the Civil War when metallic coins were scarce, such tokens served as a temporary medium of exchange. The token's significance lies in its historical context, reflecting the economic realities of wartime and the business practices of Marx and Ederheimer, who owned several restaurants in the area between 1861 and 1873. An act of Congress in 1864 prohibited private issuance of money, leading to the eventual demise of these tokens.

Associated People/Businesses

• MARX, FELIX
• EDERHEIMER, ISAAC

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Trade Tokens
• Civil War, 1861-1865
• New York (N.Y.)--History--19th century
• Restaurants, bars, and taverns
• Jews--New York (N.Y.)

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 12, Folder 10