(1834) Copper Token HT-348, Bucklin's Interest Tables NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$336 VF30BN 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1834 copper token advertises Bucklin's Interest Tables, a mathematical reference publication produced by Isaac B. Bucklin of Troy, New York. Unlike most Hard Times merchant tokens that promoted retail or manufacturing businesses, this piece advertises a printed book — making it one of the earliest known examples of book advertising on a circulating token. Bucklin's Interest Tables provided pre-calculated interest computations that merchants, bankers, and bookkeepers could reference for daily business calculations. Isaac B. Bucklin was a schoolteacher and accountant who recognized the commercial demand for ready-reference interest tables during an era when all calculations were performed by hand. His publication gave users instant access to interest amounts at various rates for any number of days — an invaluable timesaver for merchants extending credit and bankers computing loan payments. The advertising token served as a constant reminder of this practical business tool. The Bucklin's Interest Tables token series is one of the most extensive in the Troy, New York group, with numerous die varieties reflecting sustained advertising campaigns for the publication. The tokens also advertised Bucklin's Book-Keeping services, suggesting a diversified business that combined publishing with accounting instruction.

Rarity Notes

Common. Standard copper variety. Rarity R-1 to R-2.

Cross References

Low 138; Rulau HT-348