Merchant tokens, such as the Rulau 1844 series, are collectible items historically used in place of currency by private businesses in the United States. These tokens often featured the merchant's name or logo and were issued primarily during the 19th century, when metal coin shortages led merchants to create their own forms of money. While not official currency, they were accepted locally by customers and are now sought after by collectors for their unique designs and historical significance. The Rulau catalog is a widely recognized reference that documents these tokens along with their values and rarity.

Item Denomination Series Year Mint
(1844-45) New York M-Ny-75 Ny Ms Other / Varied Merchant Tokens - Rulau 1844 Unknown