(1835-36) Token HT-412, Philadelphia PA

Coin Details

Description

This extremely rare token represents one of Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger's experimental pieces produced for the Corporation of Philadelphia (the city government). Struck in Feuchtwanger's proprietary German silver alloy—approximately 53% copper, 29% zinc, and 18% nickel—the token was created to demonstrate the alloy's suitability for municipal currency or tokens. The obverse features a crude eagle design. Dr. Feuchtwanger (1805–1876) was a German-born chemist and pharmacist who operated from New York City. He developed his nickel-silver alloy as an alternative to copper for American coinage, arguing it was cheaper to produce, more durable, and more attractive than copper cents. In 1837, he petitioned Congress to adopt his composition, supplying each member with specimen tokens. Though Congress rejected his proposal, Feuchtwanger continued producing tokens that circulated widely during the Hard Times coin shortage. The Philadelphia Corporation pieces are among the rarest in the Feuchtwanger series, with HT-412 known from only two specimens. These experimental tokens preceded Feuchtwanger's better-known one-cent and three-cent pieces and demonstrate his early efforts to market his alloy to municipal governments as well as the federal mint.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Only two specimens known. Among the rarest Hard Times tokens.

Cross References

Rulau HT-412