(1894-99) Aluminum Token Rulau Bng-21, The Husbandman Co.

Coin Details

Description

Aluminum advertising token for The Husbandman Company, circa 1894-1899. The Husbandman was a weekly agricultural newspaper published in Elmira, New York, serving farmers throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. Agricultural publication tokens were common promotional items in the 1890s, when farming newspapers competed vigorously for subscribers. The aluminum composition was fashionable for advertising tokens in the mid-1890s as aluminum prices dropped dramatically after industrial-scale production began. The Husbandman's editorial focus was on practical farming advice, crop prices, and livestock management. Aluminum, 25mm. Late 19th century tokens from this period circulated during an era of unprecedented commercial growth, as American cities expanded rapidly and businesses sought creative ways to build brand recognition. Most surviving examples show significant wear from commercial use, making higher-grade pieces relatively difficult to locate.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Agricultural newspaper advertising token in the trendy aluminum of the 1890s. Media-related advertising tokens form a distinct collecting specialty. The Husbandman's Elmira, New York attribution adds interest for upstate New York numismatists.

Cross References

Rulau Bng-21; PCGS #911394