(1863) Brass Token Rulau-Y3E, Contrahendo Et Solvendo

Coin Details

Description

Brass token inscribed CONTRAHENDO ET SOLVENDO S.P. (Latin: 'In Contracting and Paying') around a numeral 2 on the obverse, with THURSDAY 1863 on the reverse. This is a Civil War-era commercial motto token, part of a series that also includes an 1857 version with a SUSPENDER BUTTONS / 1837 / 1857 reverse. The Y designation in Rulau's catalog indicates a non-local or unattributed piece. The same obverse die was later muled with an YNGENIO ECUADOR reverse (Rulau Y3G), confirming these dies were available to multiple token producers. The Latin inscription and commercial theme distinguish this from typical patriotic or store-card Civil War tokens. Brass, 19mm. The Civil War period saw an explosion of private token production as hoarding drained federal coinage from circulation, creating opportunities for merchants, die sinkers, and political propagandists. Tokens in superior condition are infrequently encountered, as the vast majority saw years of active use in daily commercial exchanges.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Civil War era motto token with Latin commercial inscription. The classical language and legal-commercial sentiment distinguish this from typical patriotic or store-card Civil War tokens. Collected by specialists in motto tokens, Latin-inscribed American exonumia, and Civil War era numismatic curiosities.

Cross References

Rulau-Y3E; PCGS #907273