New York--New York. "1859" (1861) John K. Curtis. Rulau-NY 187. Nickel-Based White Metal(?). Reeded

New York--New York. "1859" (1861) John K. Curtis. Rulau-NY 187. Nickel-Based White Metal(?). Reeded Edge. 31.1 mm. 9.9 grams. MS-60 Wiped.，A high fin or wire rim engages much of the circumference on the Antiquary side. Attractive pearl gray surfaces darkening a few shades around the periphery. A golden russet glow is evident in protected areas of the design as well as surrounding the lettering on the Antiquary side. The high wire rim has, not unexpectedly, acquired some slight nicks which can be felt more than seen. While Rulau notes that this listing (NY 187) occurs in "white metal," he also notes that for his listings white metal refer to a greyish-white, lead-tin alloy (which other varieties of the Curtis storecards regularly occur in). This piece has a greyish-white appearance, but is more dense and has a "ring" not a "thunk" when tapped, as the lead-based alloys do. The toning suggests silver, and this piece may well be that, but we cannot state that with any certainty. At any rate, the composition matters relatively little because, as Dave Baldwins Lovett tokens and medals website notes, "These (the Antiquary/Great Eastern mules) are extremely rare; the only white metal example I know of was in a 1989 PCAC Auction."，，