1863 Civil War Token

[treasurehound]

I got this token in a roll of wheat pennies along with a few IH's. I am not familiar with this token. The back has the initial J G W. I have seen Civil War tokens like this before but none with these initials.

 

[duggap]

It looks identical to the Indian Head penny. But the only year that the wreath on the back didn't have the shield in it was 1859. So since yours is 1863 it should have the sheild. I don't know if it is meant to be a token or a fake. Or I could be wet altogether.

 

[Bramblefind]

Here's an eBay discussion post about it -

http://forums.ebay.com/db1/topic/Coins-Paper-Money/Exonumia-Civil-War/510320971&start=0

#3

From my Fuld book............JGW "may be the NYC merchant, John G. Wells, who operated a book store at 165 Williams Street."

or

"James Wilson, engraver, 130 E. Broadway, as listed in the 1862 New York City directory."

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Nice one Randy!