(c.1805) White Metal Token Rulau Mass-90, William Woart

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,920 MS62 08-31-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

White metal token associated with William Woart of Massachusetts, circa 1805. This is one of the earliest American merchant tokens in the Rulau catalog, dating from the Jeffersonian era when the United States was still a young republic. Merchant tokens from before 1820 are exceptionally rare, as the practice of issuing commercial advertising tokens did not become widespread until the 1820s-1830s. William Woart's specific trade or location in Massachusetts has not been conclusively documented, though the token's existence proves he was commercially active during the early republic. White metal, 25mm. Early American tokens from before 1835 document the emergence of commercial advertising in the young republic, when printed media remained expensive and personal recommendations drove trade. Massachusetts tokens reflect New England's long commercial tradition, from colonial-era merchants to the industrialized economy of the 19th century.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. One of the earliest American merchant tokens in the Rulau catalog, dating from circa 1805. Pre-1820 American merchant tokens are extraordinarily scarce. The early date makes this one of the most historically significant pieces in the Miscellaneous Rulau series.

Cross References

Rulau Mass-90; PCGS #902592