(1825-29) Brass Token Rulau NY-922, Richard Trested

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,920 MS63 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Brass store card issued by Richard Trested of New York City, circa 1825-1829. Trested was an English-born die sinker, engraver, stamper, and piercer who established his business at 68-70 William Street in lower Manhattan during the 1820s. His tokens served as advertising cards for his die-sinking establishment, circulating within New York's commercial community. Trested produced multiple token varieties during this period, including store cards and merchant advertising pieces rated R-7 and higher. These early merchant tokens predate the Hard Times Token era (1832-1844) and represent the earliest phase of American commercial token production. Brass, 24mm. Tokens from this period reflect the decentralized commercial economy of the early republic, when individual merchants competed for recognition in rapidly growing American cities. Collector interest in Rulau-cataloged tokens continues to grow as the series gains recognition beyond specialized exonumia circles.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Pre-Hard Times era New York merchant token. Examples are scarcer than the more common Hard Times era merchant issues of the 1830s-1840s. Collected by specialists in early New York City commercial tokens.

Cross References

Rulau NY-922; PCGS #626607