(1860) Brass Token GW-404, Washington Liberty Head, Spiel-Marke Gaming

Coin Details

Description

This brass token cataloged as GW-404 features a Washington Liberty Head design and was used as a Spiel-Marke — a German-made gaming token — produced circa 1860. Spiel-Marke (literally "game token" in German) were manufactured primarily in Nuremberg and exported worldwide for use in card games, casinos, and other forms of gambling entertainment. German manufacturers frequently borrowed numismatic imagery from other nations, and George Washington's portrait was a popular choice for tokens destined for the American market. The Washington Liberty Head design imitates the format of contemporary American coinage, lending an air of legitimacy to these gaming pieces. These tokens circulated widely in the United States during the mid-nineteenth century and are often found in collections of early American coins due to their superficial resemblance to legitimate currency. The brass composition and lightweight construction distinguish them from genuine coins, though their numismatic artistry can be remarkably detailed.

Rarity Notes

GW-404, brass. Spiel-Marke gaming token. German manufacture for American market. Moderate availability.

Cross References

PCGS #907275; GW-404; Washington Liberty Head Spiel-Marke, brass