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UNITED STATES:, 1846 AE token. VF

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
UNITED STATES:, 1846 AE token. VF
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UNITED STATES:1846 AE token, Rulau-Y4, VF, 18mm (3.24g), Mormon Do Your Duty Token, struck in brass, plain edge; the obverse has one of the Mormons' favorite devices symbolizing industry -- a beehive -- plus a bird's nest, floral sprays, the date 1846 and DO YOUR DUTY; the reverse has another well-known Mormon symbol -- clasped hands in a handshake -- and UNION IS STRENGTH around. "It has been discovered that in 1846 a Mormon named Peter Haws crossed the plains with the exiled Mormons and was the leader of a wagon company. Haws was also a private coiner and had been indicted in Nauvoo for counterfeiting U.S. coins. (It was noted that his counterfeits were of excellent quality.) While camped at Garden Grove, Iowa Territory, it was reported that Haws had his coining press in his wagon. To help pass the time, he was up to his old tricks and was again minting base-metal coins. On 12 May 1846 Brigham Young even came over to Haws' wagon and reproved him for this… Nevertheless, the Mormon leader left Haws in charge of his wagon company, and Haws came to the Great Salt Lake Valley." (Mormon and Utah Coin and Currency, pages 34-35). The coins were used as currency among Church members throughout Pottawattamie County, Iowa Territory. A similar example sold in September 7-11, 2016 Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction - Long Beach Sale 1239, Lot 3373 for $3,525.