(1873) Brass Token Rulau Ma-Bo 13, Boston Numismatic Society

Coin Details

Description

Brass token or medal issued by the Boston Numismatic Society, 1873. The Boston Numismatic Society was one of America's earliest and most distinguished coin collecting organizations, founded in 1860 and active through the late 19th century. Society tokens served as membership badges, meeting souvenirs, and examples of medallic art for the members' own collections. The 1873 date coincides with a period of significant activity in American numismatic societies, as the hobby was rapidly growing in the post-Civil War era. The brass composition was typical for society tokens of this period. Brass, 28mm. Industrial expansion after the war created a prosperous merchant class that increasingly embraced numismatic collecting, driving demand for historical tokens as collectible artifacts. Massachusetts tokens reflect New England's long commercial tradition, from colonial-era merchants to the industrialized economy of the 19th century.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Numismatic society token from one of America's pioneering collector organizations. Boston Numismatic Society pieces are collected as both membership memorabilia and as examples of the institutional history of American coin collecting. The Society's tokens are documented in BNS published proceedings.

Cross References

Rulau Ma-Bo 13; PCGS #813230