(1846) Brass Token Rulau R-Y4, Do Your Duty

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,525 AU50 09-07-2016 Heritage Auctions

Description

Brass motto or exhortation token inscribed DO YOUR DUTY, produced circa 1846. Motto tokens bearing patriotic, religious, or moral sentiments were popular in mid-19th century America, reflecting the era's reform movements including temperance, abolitionism, and evangelical Christianity. The Rulau R-Y4 designation places this in the supplemental catalog for unattributed or general-interest pieces. The specific meaning of 'Do Your Duty' may refer to civic responsibility, military service during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), or religious obligation. Brass, 22mm. The 1840s and 1850s saw merchant tokens evolve from simple trade pieces to more elaborate designs, as die sinkers like George H. Lovett and Robert Lovett Jr. elevated the craft. Listed in the Rulau catalog, the standard reference work for pre-1900 American merchant tokens that has been continuously updated since its first edition.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Mid-19th century motto token with a patriotic or moral exhortation. The 1846 date coincides with the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, which may provide context for the 'Duty' message. Collected by specialists in American motto tokens, political tokens, and reform movement exonumia.

Cross References

Rulau R-Y4; PCGS #609558