Face of token has raised lettering that reads, "STRAIGHT'S ELEPHANT SHOE STORE / 398/ BROADWAY / 1863". Image of an elephant wearing boots is in the center. Reverse reads, "REDEEMED AT MY SHOE STORE / 398 BROADWAY/ ALBANY NY".

Token is about the size of a penny.

Civil War tokens are coins that were privately minted and distributed in the U.S. between 1861-1864. The widespread use of the tokens was a result of the scarcity of government issued cents during the war. The tokens became illegal after the Congress passed a law on April 22, 1864 prohibiting the issue of any one or two cent coins, tokens or devices for use as currency. On June 8, 1864 an additional law was passed that forbade all private coinage. [sl] [ph:L]

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