1906 Token DeLorey-4 Aluminum Elder Store Card

Coin Details

Description

Thomas L. Elder (1874-1948) was one of the most prominent and prolific American coin dealers of the early twentieth century. Operating from New York City, Elder conducted hundreds of auction sales and issued an extraordinary variety of tokens, medals, and store cards bearing his name. His pieces are cataloged by DeLorey in a supplement to the Miller catalog. Elder was known for his colorful personality, aggressive marketing, and frequent feuds with other dealers. His store cards span decades and include pieces in aluminum, brass, gold, and other metals. This aluminum token is a scarce variant. Struck in aluminum, this token dates from a period when the metal was still relatively expensive. Aluminum tokens from before the widespread adoption of electrolytic refining are scarce and historically significant as early industrial applications of the metal.. With 4 known token varieties, Thomas L. Elder was an active issuer of merchant tokens. Cataloged as DeLorey-4.

Rarity Notes

Aluminum tokens from this period are relatively scarce, as aluminum remained an expensive metal until large-scale electrolytic refining became common. Thomas L. Elder issued 4 known token varieties.

Cross References

DeLorey-4