(1882) Copper Token Rulau IL-Ri 4, Rock Island Arsenal

Coin Details

Description

Copper token associated with the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois, 1882. The Rock Island Arsenal, established on Arsenal Island (946 acres) in the Mississippi River, was set aside by Congress in 1809 as a federal military reservation, with Fort Armstrong built in 1816. It became an active arsenal in 1862 during the Civil War and also housed a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp. By 1882 the arsenal had grown into one of the U.S. Army's principal manufacturing facilities for ordnance, equipment, and leather goods, employing hundreds of civilian workers. Arsenal tokens of this era served as worker identification badges, canteen scrip, or commemorative pieces — a contemporary work pass from 1882 (No. 3916) confirms the arsenal's use of numbered pass tokens during this period. Copper, 28mm. Collector interest in Rulau-cataloged tokens continues to grow as the series gains recognition beyond specialized exonumia circles.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Military installation token from one of the most important U.S. Army arsenals. Rock Island Arsenal tokens are collected by military exonumia specialists and Illinois numismatists. The arsenal's dual history as a manufacturing center and Civil War prison camp adds historical depth.

Cross References

Rulau IL-Ri 4; PCGS #850708