(c. 1860) Token Sage's No. 2, City Hall

Coin Details

Auction Record

$192 MS64BN 08-31-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This token from circa 1860 is attributed to Sage's series and depicts City Hall, New York City Hall, which has served as the seat of city government since 1812. The Sage's token series was produced by Charles Sage, a New York numismatist and dealer active in the 1850s and 1860s, who created an extensive series of historical tokens depicting notable buildings, prominent collectors, and important sites primarily in the New York City area. Sage's series is one of the most collected groups in American exonumia, with each token combining numismatic art with historical documentation. This City Hall piece depicts the iconic Federal-style building designed by Joseph-Francois Mangin and John McComb Jr., which was completed in 1812 and remains the oldest city hall in the United States that still houses its original governmental functions. Sage selected subjects that would appeal to historically minded collectors, and New York's City Hall was among the most recognizable civic buildings in America. The Sage's tokens served as a precursor to the later souvenir medal industry, providing collectors with attractive, well-struck pieces depicting subjects of historical interest. This undated token bearing the No. 2 designation places it early in one of Sage's numbered sub-series.

Rarity Notes

Sage's tokens are moderately scarce, with most varieties surviving in quantities of 50-200 pieces. The City Hall token is among the more popular subjects in the series.

Cross References

PCGS #803571; Sage's No. 2 City Hall; Charles Sage, New York numismatist