(1829-30) Copper Token Rulau-E NY-960, Facsimile C. Wolfe, Spies & Clark

Coin Details

Description

Copper electrotype reproduction of the original C. Wolfe, Spies & Clark merchant token, produced circa 1829-1830. C. Wolfe, Clark & Spies operated the New York Military Store & Hardware at 193 Pearl Street in lower Manhattan, selling cutlery, plated ware, and guns. The original tokens (Rulau-E NY-958/959, Musante GW-118, Baker-588) feature a portrait of George Washington on the obverse with the firm's name and NEW YORK MILITARY STORE & HARDWARE around the border. The NY-960 designation specifically identifies all copper examples as electrotypes — contemporary copies made by the electrotype process rather than die-struck originals. The firm's tokens are cross-cataloged as Washington pieces in the Baker and Musante references. Copper electrotype, 26mm. Early American tokens from before 1835 document the emergence of commercial advertising in the young republic, when printed media remained expensive and personal recommendations drove trade.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The facsimile designation distinguishes this from original C. Wolfe, Spies & Clark tokens, which are themselves well-known in early American exonumia. Facsimile tokens have their own collecting following among specialists who study the history of numismatic reproduction and early American advertising practices.

Cross References

Rulau-E NY-960; PCGS #930405