Who is J.W. & Co. of Gold Region?

Zoins

I saw these tokens in the recent Stack's sale and was curious about them. Anyone know about these?

The 5 token is especially interesting to me because it showcases our seated liberty.

1860s - 5: https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-9I4OY

1875 - 10: https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-9I4OK

1876 - 25: https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-9I4OR

1876 - 50: https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-9I4OD

CaptHenway

Have never seen these.

Zoins

I just found these on Heritage from 2006 but they provide no info on the company.

I'm pretty sure I've seen the obverse of the 50 before but I can't recall where.

https://coins.ha.com/itm/an-uncertified-group-lot-of-gaming-tokens-includes-four-tokens-issued-by-the-jw-andamp-co-gold-region-dated-in-the-1870s-the/a/416-6930.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515

Timbuk3

Interesting !!!

yosclimber

Might be John F. Wanless, Fort Sanders, Dakota Territory (near Laramie, WY).

He made this token in 1868, which is similar to the 25c token.
Fort Sanders was established in 1866 and abandoned in 1882. There was some gold mining in the area.
http://tokencatalog.com/token_record_forms.php?action=DisplayTokenRecord&td_id=47501&inventory_id=26522&attribution_id=230003

I have the honor to introduce to your favorable consideration Col. John Wanless, late Lieut. Col. 5th U.S. Vols, Sutler at this Post since 15th January During the year 1866 Geo Wilson Jr. Was Sutler here, but having rendered himself so obnoxious to the entire Command (by extortionate charges, disregard of orders and selling Three cent postage stamps for Five cents each) as to drive his trade from him, Col. Wanless purchased his entire stock and building and has since given general satisfaction to officers and men. telegram to U.S. Grant July 11, 1867 (from The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant. )

http://hobbydocbox.com/Stamps_and_Coins/67387483-Western-indian-traders-forts-territorial-tokens-bill-weber-naval-tokens-friday-march-11-pm-7pm-pdt-date-and-time.html

ricko

I looked for information on J.W. & Co. of Gold Region...but found nothing specific... I did find that 'gold region' often referred to California - more so than other areas of gold mining. That may - or may not - be a clue. Cheers, RickO

jwitten

I'm not sure who it was then, but I need one, cause it could be me now!

Gluggo

I pulled this from my US Tokens 1700-1900 Book/Biblke @ Ralau/Krause

Gluggo

Good luck

johnny9434

thats interesting. i like the die crack on it well.

CaptHenway

@Gluggo said:
I pulled this from my US Tokens 1700-1900 Book/Biblke @ Ralau/Krause

Fascinating. I do find the Warren, OH suggestion implausible, though I do not doubt that Russ copied it correctly from the envelope referenced. That does not mean that the reference cited was correct.

TD

carabonnair

tokencatalog.com also mentions Deadwood, South Dakota as a possibility

yosclimber

I checked the assertion in the Rulau/Krause catalog page above that the eagle on the J.W & CO. 50c was the same die as the Henry Stephens, and it is a match to the dollar token, except stars were added:



http://tokencatalog.com/token_record_forms.php?action=DisplayTokenRecord&td_id=41487&inventory_id=19541&td_image_id=19512&attribution_id=41764&record_offset=3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Stephens_(lumberman)

CaptHenway

More likely two working dies made by the same eagle punch, only one of which then received stars.