To capture the attention of token and medal enthusiasts, Heritage Auctions presents its Certified American Tokens & Medals US Coins Showcase Auction May 26.

The sale features a roster of rarities including several pieces that stand alone at the very top of their respective NGC and PCGS population reports.

Leading highlights is a stunning 1892 World’s Columbian Exposition, Liberty Head, high relief bronze medal graded Proof 67 brown by Numismatic Guaranty Co. Struck to commemorate the iconic Chicago world’s fair, this deeply mirrored Proof medal ranks among the finest known examples, with the NGC census recording just five examples at the Proof 67 level and none grading higher. This piece represents a rare opportunity to acquire a virtually perfect survivor commemorating one of America’s most celebrated Gilded Age exhibitions.

Civil War-era satirical pieces are always crowd favorites, and the sale offers a remarkable example in the form of an (1861 to 1865) Aaron White satirical so-called dollar, cataloged as Hibler Kapin-829 (in So-Called Dollars by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen) with a rarity rating of R-6 (between 20 and 75 pieces known). Struck in copper and graded Mint State 66 brown by NGC, this piece is the single finest known in its designation — the census lists just one example at this level with nothing finer.

Satirical dollars from this turbulent period offer collectors a fascinating window into the political commentary of the day, making condition rarities like this all the more desirable.

Ohio collectors will find two noteworthy Civil War store card tokens in the sale. An 1863 P.L. Potter, Groceries token from Middleton, Ohio, comes to the block graded MS-66 red and brown by NGC, while an 1863 P. Lochary, New Store token from Morristown, Ohio, is offered at MS-65 red and brown. Both pieces represent the rich small-town merchant token tradition of the Midwest, where local businesses issued their own copper cent substitutes during the coin shortage of the early 1860s. High-grade Ohio store cards with original color are perennial favorites among hard-times and Civil War token specialists.

Rounding out the highlights is a fascinating piece with deep historical roots: an undated Valdez Native Copper 12½-cent “Good For” token graded About Uncirculated 58 by Professional Coin Grading Service. Valdez Native Copper tokens occupy a unique niche in American numismatic history, and this circulated but sharp example offers collectors access to one of the more unusual and geographically distinctive issues in the token series.

Together, these five pieces illustrate the extraordinary depth and variety Heritage has assembled for the May 26 event — from world’s fair splendor to frontier commerce — making it a must-watch sale for serious collectors of American tokens and medals. For further information see www.mint.ca/en.

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