(1859) Brass Token GW-343, William Leggett Bramhall

Coin Details

Auction Record

$780 MS64 04-13-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass token cataloged as GW-343 was produced circa 1859 by or for William Leggett Bramhall, a New York City numismatist and token collector active during the golden age of American trade tokens. Bramhall was known for commissioning personal tokens featuring Washington's portrait, which served as both calling cards within the numismatic community and collectible items in their own right. The practice of issuing personal tokens was common among mid-nineteenth century numismatists, who exchanged these pieces at meetings and through the mail as a form of numismatic social currency. The brass composition provided durability and a gold-like appearance appropriate for a personal token of distinction. The Washington portrait on these pieces reflected not only patriotic sentiment but also identified the issuer as a collector of Washingtoniana — the broad category of medals, tokens, and memorabilia associated with George Washington. Bramhall tokens are collected today both within the GW series and as examples of the personal token tradition in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

GW-343, brass. Bramhall personal numismatic token. Limited original distribution among numismatic circles. Scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #883440; GW-343; William Leggett Bramhall token