(1860) Silver Token NY-NY 317, E. Hill

Coin Details

Description

Silver merchant token issued by E. Hill, coin dealer of New York City, 1860. This is the silver variety of the E. Hill token, distinguished from the copper NY-NY-319. As a coin dealer, Hill struck his tokens in multiple metals — the silver composition served as a premium version distributed to fellow dealers and preferred clients. Silver merchant tokens from the pre-Civil War era were uncommon, as most merchant advertising pieces were struck in copper or brass for economy. Hill's numismatic trade made him one of the few merchants for whom a silver striking was both practical advertising and a demonstration of his stock-in-trade. Silver, 22mm. Antebellum-era tokens from the 1840s and 1850s bridge the gap between the Hard Times period and the Civil War token explosion, documenting American commercial life during a period of rapid westward expansion. Collector interest in Rulau-cataloged tokens continues to grow as the series gains recognition beyond specialized exonumia circles.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Silver variety of the E. Hill merchant token, significantly scarcer than the copper NY-NY-319. Pre-Civil War silver merchant tokens are uncommon and command significant premiums over their base-metal counterparts. Collected by New York City exonumia specialists.

Cross References

Rulau NY-NY 317; PCGS #531982