(c.1968) Aluminum Token TC-537877, Blanding Trading Post Anillo Restrike

Coin Details

Description

Aluminum uniface restrike of a Blanding Trading Post trade token, struck circa 1968 from original dies in the Anillo (ring or annular) format used by early Southwest trading post tokens. Blanding, Utah (San Juan County) was home to trading posts serving the Navajo and San Juan Paiute communities of the Four Corners region. Trading post tokens served as scrip redeemable for goods at the post, replacing cash in remote areas where the nearest bank might be many miles distant. As the practice of issuing trading post tokens declined in the mid-20th century, collectors and dealers began producing aluminum restrikes from surviving original dies for numismatic purposes. The uniface design and aluminum composition distinguish this restrike from original commerce-era tokens, which were typically struck in brass or white metal with designs on both sides. Catalogued on TokenCatalog.com as TC-537877. Diameter approximately 22mm.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Trading post tokens of the American Southwest are an active collecting specialty, with both original commerce-era pieces and collector restrikes sought after. The circa-1968 Anillo-format restrikes from Blanding Trading Post dies were produced in limited quantities for numismatic interest. TokenCatalog.com documents this type; aluminum restrikes from original trading post dies are uncommon.

Cross References

TokenCatalog.com TC-537877