1869 New York M-Ny-234 Ny Ms

Coin / United States of America / Other / Varied / Merchant Tokens - Rulau / 1869 / Unknown

The coin in question is a fascinating example from the series of Merchant Tokens known as Rulau, specifically issued in the United States of America in the year 1869. This particular token stands out due to its unique historical context, as it was produced during a time of economic transformation following the Civil War, when merchant tokens were often used in local commerce due to a shortage of small change. While the exact diameter and weight are not specified, the token is classified as an "Other / Varied" denomination, indicating it may not conform to standard currency denominations. Its production method is noted as "Mint Strike," suggesting that it was produced using traditional minting techniques, which align with other tokens of this era. The mint producing this token is listed as "Unknown," which is not uncommon for merchant tokens of the time, as many were issued by private merchants rather than government mints. The mintage is also recorded as "0," which could imply that the precise production figures are lost to history, or that this specific instance has not been documented in existing records. Overall, this merchant token serves as a tangible piece of American financial history, providing insight into local commerce practices in 19th century America and the reliance on privately issued currency by merchants to facilitate trade. Collectors and historians alike would value such tokens for their rarity and the stories they tell about the economic practices of their time.

Country United States of America
Year 1869
Serie Merchant Tokens - Rulau
Denomination Other / Varied
Mint Unknown