(1877) Copper Token Rulau NY-Unlisted, Isaac F. Wood, Civic Grant

Coin Details

Description

Copper token by Isaac F. Wood (1841-1895) of New York City with a civic-themed Grant portrait, 1877. Wood was a prominent numismatist who served as one of the first librarians of the American Numismatic Society, helped secure its New York State incorporation, and played a role in launching the American Journal of Numismatics. He actively commissioned medals and tokens from engravers including William Key and George Lovett. This unlisted variety does not appear in the standard Rulau catalog numbering, making it a discovery piece or a variety added after the catalog's publication. The 'Civic Grant' designation indicates a design emphasizing Ulysses S. Grant's civil service rather than his military career. Copper, 19mm. The post-war period combined rapid commercial growth with the professionalization of numismatics, as collecting societies and printed catalogs transformed casual accumulation into systematic study.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Unlisted variety in the Rulau catalog, making this a discovery piece for Isaac F. Wood series specialists. Unlisted Wood varieties suggest the true extent of his production exceeded what has been cataloged, and new varieties continue to be identified by collectors and researchers.

Cross References

Rulau NY-Unlisted; PCGS #683566