(1837) Copper Token HT-284, George A. Jarvis NY

Coin Details

Description

This 1837 copper George A. Jarvis token shares the wine and tea dealer advertising of HT-283 but is distinguished by the presence of leaves rather than stars at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the reverse border. The obverse again shows the Matron Head Liberty bust with "E PLURIBUS UNUM," closely imitating the contemporary U.S. large cent design to maximize acceptance in circulation. The leaf-border variety (HT-284) is significantly more common than the star-border variety (HT-283), suggesting a larger production run from this particular die pair. The higher survival rate indicates that Jarvis's tokens were widely distributed through his Grand Street wine and tea business and accepted readily in the neighborhood's retail transactions. Jarvis's location at the corner of Grand and Elm Streets placed him near the Collect Pond district of Lower Manhattan, an area of mixed commercial and residential development. The wine and tea trade required careful attention to storage and handling — wines needed cool cellars protected from temperature fluctuations, while teas required dry storage to preserve flavor and freshness. Jarvis's expertise in managing these delicate products distinguished his establishment from the general grocers who also sold wine and tea but lacked specialized knowledge of these luxury imports.

Rarity Notes

Common. Leaf-border variety with the largest production run of the Jarvis tokens. Rarity R-1.

Cross References

Low 123; Rulau HT-284