It’s a coin produced privately by Lewis Feuchwanger during the 1830-1840’s in the US. Some people call them "German Silver". They are know as a Feuchtwanger Cent but Three cent varieties were also available, though not as plentiful as the one cent tokens. These freely circulated in the US as they were originally created as patterns to demonstrate a new type of metal for coinage, however when these proposals failed, they were temporarily used by the public during the depression to accommodate a small change shortage. After the panic of 1837 and the subsequent 5 year depression thereafter known as the Hard Times, Lewis Feuchtwanger, a pharmacist, issued tokens made of German Silver, an alloy primarily made of copper, nickel, tin, and zinc. It was during these times that much of the coinage in the U.S. was hoarded and disappeared from circulation. Decades before the use of nickel-alloy for circulation coinage in the United States, Feuchtwanger proposed his token’s alloy to Congress as a lesser expensive metal for use in the minting of U.S. coppers. Though Congress entertained his idea, they ultimately turned down his proposal. Feuchtwanger didn’t let rejection by Congress stymie his entrepreneurial efforts. Instead of giving up on the idea, he chose to market his “silver” composition to store keepers, merchants, and the public at large. Out of his pharmacy at 2 Courtlandt Street in New York City, Feuchtwanger dispensed his tokens, often handing them out as change. Many remained in circulation for decades, with some being traded as currency up to and during the Civil War. He ran an ad in The New York Evening Post, Saturday, November 18th, 1837 advertising them. In addition to his one cent tokens, Feuchtwanger also minted undated one cent tokens, and 3-cent tokens made of the same alloy. Moreover, additional store card tokens of varying values were produced using his metal composition. In total, there are currently 14 different known varieties of Feuchtwanger’s One Cent pieces. Many are quite common and can be readily obtained in the collectors market. Other varieties are quite rare. As with most Feuchtwanger Cents, those that circulated most commonly exhibited wear along the length of the serpent, as well as along the highest points of the eagle’s feathers. This is the only Feuchtwanger Cent that I own. It’s dated 1837 and is in the Red Book. I’m not good at identifying varieties but I believe this to be Obverse 3 and Reverse B.
Yeah I fell in love with these on 1st sight. I have one but plan on getting a much nicer one and dream of picking up a 3 cent piece but those puppies pricy Very nice write up btw Here's my beat up place holder (until i find a nice one at a price i like )
I've never owned one, but like others I do find them interesting and wouldn't mind getting of the 3 cent pieces.
Here is mine. I got it for a very reasonable price. I think others were just looking at the numerical grade. It has a really nice strike in my opinion.
I didn't realize raw pieces were worth hundreds. I'll have to make a note and eventually own one down the road.
Yeah that's why i ended up with my "place holder" hehe picked it up cheap and always reminds me I want a nicer one when i can find an affordable one
Nice write-up. I almost bought a nice one last week. And I've always pronounced this "fooktwanger" but I have no idea if that is even close to correct.
Thank you Randy. You can see the wear but it is a higher grade than most. I got it for just over $100 so a fantastic price for the condition.
I know that love feeling all to well. I’m looking for a three cent piece as well and yes they are pricey.
The cent ones would be my preference. LCS has had one forever so I sure know where I can get one if it comes to it.