Aug B Sage's Historical Tokens - Were these a series?

tydye · January 8, 2011 8:35AM

I have one that says #3 Faneuil Hall Boston Mass. About the size of a half dollar.

Zoins · January 8, 2011 8:46AM

You're right that Sage had a series of these. His Historical Token series was made by George Hampden Lovett, who's initials can be seen on the obverse. Exonumia.com has some info:

Number 1: NY Sage/Lovett's Old Provost Prison Medal. "The Old Provost, N. Y." around building / Chain around "A British Prison During the Revolution" and small letters "Aug. B. Sage's Historical Tokens No. 1" By G. H. Lovett. 30 mm, copper. Brown AU. $50.00-75.00+

Number 7: VA Sage/Lovett: Rare Washington's Home Medal. "The Home of Washington Mount Vernon" around Washington's home / Border of stars around "The Women of America Noble Preserves of Our Father's Home" and in small letters, "Aug. B. Sage's Historical Tokens No. 7" By G. H. Lovett. Garrett-1781, Baker-114G in Rulau-Fuld, page 108, where noted as "Rare" 30 mm, copper with olive toning. Toned AU+. $100.00-150.00+

Number 9: NY Sage/Lovett: Richmond Hill House Medal. "Richmond Hill House, N. Y. Erected 1760" around house / Wreath around "Washington's Head Quarters May, 1776" and in small letters "Aug. B. Sage's Historical Tokens No. 9" By G. H. Lovett. This does not seem to be listed by Baker, and it is noted on page 108 of Rulau-Fuld that Lovett muled many of his dies to create extra varieties. 30 mm, copper, iridescent obverse. Toned AU+. $50.00-75.00+

Looks like a fun series to collect.

Broadstruck · January 8, 2011 8:51AM

A dozen or more of high grade numbered 1859 Sage's just crossed EBay last week.

Check the exonumia completed sales for more info.

tydye · January 8, 2011 8:53AM

Thanks for the info. I was thinking as well it would be a cool series to collect but I did a search on ebay and came up with nothing. I picked this one up at the flea market a while back.

tydye · January 8, 2011 8:54AM

thanks broadstruck - I just checked active ones.

Zoins · January 8, 2011 9:00AM

Good call Broadstruck. There seems to be some interest from the eBay bidding activity.

Here's a working list:

Aug. B. Sage Historical Tokens

#1 The Old Provoost, N.Y.
#2 City Hall, Wall St. N.Y.
#3 Faneuil Hall, Boston Mass.
#7 The Home of Washington
#9 Richmond Hill House, N.Y.

Broadstruck · January 8, 2011 9:09AM

Look up the completed sales for EBay'R "wings4" as he sold 11 RB Sage's last week.

4 more up this week

Zoins · January 8, 2011 9:13AM

<< <i>Look up the completed sales for EBay'R "wings4" as he sold 11 RB Sage's last week. >>

Nice. I was just looking over some of his auctions while doing a search for Lovett. I didn't make the connection when looking at the Sage pieces until you mentioned him.

tydye · January 8, 2011 9:14AM

Follow up question. Why are there different images for the same token. I see multiple Sage tokens No 1 and 9s so far.

Zoins · January 8, 2011 9:17AM

There are several different Sage series. Look at the bottom of the reverse to find out which series the piece is a part of:

* Historical Tokens
* Masonic Medalets
* Odds & Ends

Also, on eBay right now, the same issue is shown with both the obverse and the reverse in the listings.

Broadstruck · January 8, 2011 9:18AM

<< <i>Follow up question. Why are there different images for the same token. I see multiple Sage tokens No 1 and 9s so far. >>

Sage must have issued different series.

tydye · January 8, 2011 9:27AM

Thanks Zoins and Broadstruck
Going to keep my eye open for these. I like them

Zoins · January 8, 2011 10:10AM

They are neat. Good luck on your set

Aegis3 · January 8, 2011 11:25AM

Don't forget his Numismatic Gallery series.

The best reference for Sage pieces is QDB's American Numismatics before the Civil War, which catalogs all of them, including off metal strikes, mulings, and numbering variations.

Zoins · January 8, 2011 11:52AM

Thanks for the QDB reference Aegis3. Sage is even mentioned in the full title of the book: American Numismatics before the Civil War, 1760-1860: Emphasizing the Story of Augustus B. Sage

Aug B Sage's Historical Tokens - Were these a series?

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