(1860) Brass Token GW-426, Plain Edge Strassburger & Nuhn

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 MS65 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass token with plain edge cataloged as GW-426 was issued circa 1860 by Strassburger & Nuhn, a commercial establishment that used Washington's portrait on their trade token. The plain edge variety (PE) distinguishes this from reeded-edge versions of the same die pair. Strassburger & Nuhn were merchants or wholesalers operating in the mid-Atlantic region who commissioned these tokens as both advertising pieces and practical substitutes for small change during a period when coins were frequently hoarded or in short supply. The brass composition gave the token a gold-like appearance that elevated it above crude copper tokens. Washington's portrait on commercial tokens was essentially a guarantee of the issuer's patriotism and trustworthiness — borrowing the moral authority of the nation's founding father for commercial purposes. Multiple die varieties and edge types from a single issuer suggest substantial production runs and active commercial use.

Rarity Notes

GW-426, brass, plain edge. Strassburger & Nuhn commercial token. Moderate scarcity.

Cross References

PCGS #789366; GW-426; Strassburger & Nuhn, brass PE