#145-CIVIL WAR SALE: THIS MAY WELL BE THE WEAKEST STRIKE EVER ON AN UNCIRCULATED CW TOKEN

I developed an interest in Broas ever since I purchased a brass token that consensus said was the "finest Broas CWT". I believe I acquired it at the annual American Numismatic Association convention held in Denver in 1996.

I may have mentioned to some of you about my obtaining dozens of Broas tokens--and there were more than most any other storecard--creating roughly 50-token progression of the deterioration of Broas dies. They got more than the useful life out of their dies before they finally "retired" them. I sold that study group many years ago. This is an interesting example of not just deteriorating dies, but I suspect the obverse die must have been very shallow imparting a likewise shadow impression even from a new die. I believe this is an uncirculated example, but one that most individuals not familiar with CWT's in general and Broas in particular would not guess that this is in mint state. None of the type on the obverse is readable, while the reverse is a much better strike, but showing weak letters in the center. I suspect most collectors are surprised when they see what looks like a VF or XF token slabbed by NGC as Mint State 64! It's not too unusual!