Wow, a tough R-8 PennyGuy. A great pickup for sure. I think Hayden is the best source for CWTs out there. BTW, just in case you didn't know he has two or three Mail Bid Sales a year and issues a really nice catalog for each one. I have a copy of every one of them since he started them ten or fifteen years ago. They're a great reference source. Bruce
Another real nice example. CWTs are so cool as they are almost a forgotten and in most cases unheard of part of American coin (I use the word coin loosely) history. I have yet to tell or show someone one of these pieces without them being awestruck. My collection is mostly raw pieces and all are common, but to me they are rare glimpses into our past. I often wonder who carried these old coins in their pocket or used them in a store. Coin collecting can be more than just amassing a hoard of high dollar collectables they can be entertainment and study pieces, and I know the majority of CT members feel this way as well. I am eventually going to buy some MS tokens, but I need more education before spending a bunch of money, and I thank all of y'all the pictures and information shared here.
Yes I am aware of Steve's auctions and both his fixed price lists. I get to see his inventory in-hand twice yearly, and that's about all I can afford. LOL
Understand completely on slabbed CWT's As I get down to the final items on my want list I am finding that most for sale are slabbed. 95%+ of my CWT's are raw, which I prefer.
That is a very nice CWT, I like to get all my better ones slabbed as well. I typically use ANACS. What does NGC charge?
I agree, I love CWTs for the history as well. The CWTsociety is a great place to get information and meet fellow enthusiasts about collecting CWTs.
The next large show that will have a CWTS meeting is in August in Chicago at the ANA expo. Many of the CWT dealers will be there that were already mentioned.
I am a active CWTS member myself. We should start a thread in July to see who will be attending. I'm into the patriotics but would like to pick up some merchant tokens, from the Chicago area, while there.
I already know that I will miss both Central States show and the ANA. In August I need to be in Tennessee for a niece's wedding.
I'll miss them as well, but I am planning on attending a few shows one in Arlington, TX that I believe will be a large one. I hope to get to see several CWTs in hand. I am glad this thread gets posts regularly and I really enjoy the pics so keep em coming.
A couple weeks ago I gave a coin-talk at a local library. We discussed several items in the library’s collection including this great store card of Joseph Merriam. I want this copper store card in my collection but the library won’t give it up. This piece advertises the die sinker’s business. On the obverse is a draped bust of Washington facing right within an olive wreath while the reverse has the store card advertisement. This token was issued in copper, brass and white metal. Joseph Merriam used the obverse die for other tokens during his career. [below the ribbon on the wreath is an M for Merriam] Baker 560B (Miller Mass 56) Joseph H. Merriam [ca. 1859] Boston Obverse: WASHINGTON Reverse: JOS. H. MERRIAM / - * - / MEDALIST / DIE SINKER / - AND - / LETTER CUTTER / ESTABLISHED 1850 / No. 18 / BRATTLE SQUARE / BOSTON, MASS. Reference: Rulau and Fuld, p. 260; Rulau, Standard Catalog of United States Tokens, 2nd ed., p. 210.
Just back from NGC ! Population 11 Coin Information Date/Info: (1864) CIVIL WAR F-138/434 a GEN. G.B. McCLELLAN Denomination: TOKEN Grade: AU 58 BN Total Graded at 58: 11
As I noted earlier in this thread, it's getting harder and harder for me to find the remaining tokens on my want list. They are the hardest to find, and usually in a higher grade that most of my store cards. Had to decide if I wanted to own this Rarity 9 or sit and watch it go buy. That took about 1/2 a second and I jumped into the bidding.
Very nice example it almost has a Mexican feel with the Eagle clutching the snake in it's talons. I love this thread I enjoy the history of these pieces and wish more people posted pics here.