New York & Harlaem Railroad

The New York & Harlaem Railroad, incorporated in 1831, operated one of the earliest urban rail lines in the United States and is widely regarded as New York City’s first street railway. Service began in 1832 along the Bowery from Prince Street to 14th Street, with later extensions north on Fourth Avenue to Harlem and south to City Hall. Horse power was used initially, with steam locomotives introduced in 1837 for service north of the 27th Street depot. These tokens are believed to be the first transportation tokens issued for use in New York City. Collectors recognize seven major octagonal varieties associated with the New York & Harlaem Railroad. Known examples include pieces struck in German silver, copper, and lead, with varieties distinguished by material and by the presence or absence of a counterstamp. The German silver pieces include the plain variety (Atwood-Coffee NY630Dc), the rosette counterstamp variety (NY630Da), and the well-known dog counterstamp variety (NY630Db). The copper pieces include a plain variety (NY998Ca) and a leaf counterstamp variety (NY998Cb). The lead pieces likewise include a plain variety (NY998Da) and a leaf counterstamp variety (NY998Db). The initials 'B & S' found beneath the railroad coach identify the token makers, Bale & Smith, noted New York engravers. Today these pieces are considered among the most historic American transit tokens, linking directly to the earliest development of organized public transportation in New York City.