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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$144 MS63RB 09-21-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

Copper variety of the Boston Numismatic Society token, 1873. Dies by Isaac F. Wood of New York, commissioned in conjunction with the New England Historic Genealogical Society. This copper striking is distinguished from the brass Ma-Bo 13 variety. The Boston Numismatic Society, founded February 11, 1860 by eight gentlemen meeting at the New England Historic Genealogical Society, was incorporated by the Massachusetts Legislature in March 1870. Dr. Winslow Lewis served as its first president, and William Sumner Appleton Sr. became its secretary. Numismatic societies of the 19th century commonly struck their tokens and medals in multiple metals — brass, copper, and silver — to satisfy the collecting preferences of their members. Copper, 28mm. America's post-Civil War economic boom coincided with the maturation of numismatic collecting as a formal discipline, creating new appreciation for historical merchant tokens.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Copper variety of the Boston Numismatic Society 1873 token. Die variety collectors seek to assemble matched sets of the brass (Ma-Bo 13) and copper (Ma-Bo 13B) versions. Boston Numismatic Society pieces have a dedicated following among institutional numismatic history collectors.

Cross References

Rulau Ma-Bo 13B; PCGS #813972