(1860) Brass Token GW-428, Plain Edge George Doll and Co.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$336 MS65 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass token with plain edge cataloged as GW-428 was issued circa 1860 by George Doll and Company, a commercial firm that used Washington's portrait for their trade token. The practice of placing Washington's image on commercial tokens was widespread during the 1850s and 1860s, as the first president's likeness conveyed trustworthiness and patriotic values that merchants wished to associate with their businesses. George Doll and Co. operated a retail or wholesale establishment in the mid-Atlantic or Northeast region. The brass composition with plain edge was a standard format for commercial tokens of this era, practical enough for everyday use while presenting an attractive appearance. These merchant tokens served both as advertising and as small-denomination currency substitutes during periods when official coinage was scarce or hoarded. The GW-428 designation in the Rulau-Fuld catalog places this among the commercial token subset of the Washington medal series.

Rarity Notes

GW-428, brass, plain edge. George Doll & Co. commercial token. Moderate scarcity.

Cross References

PCGS #789548; GW-428; George Doll & Co., brass PE