Spencer Collection of World and U.S. Historical Medals Including So-Called Dollars
MI-251/44 AR, Queene Anne's Bounty


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description: NY 1863 NEW YORK F-630AK-1a HUSSEY'S MESSAGE POST
Grade: NGC MS 64 RB
Owner: Spencer Collection
 
Set Category: Token & Medals
Set Name: Spencer Collection of World and U.S. Historical Medals Including So-Called Dollars
Slot Name: MI-251/44 AR, Queene Anne's Bounty
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

Medal (Civil War Token), 1863, CU, HUSSEY'S MESSAGE POST, TIME IS MONEY, Merchant Store Card, United States, New York, Fuld F-630AK-1a, NGC MS64RB, Cert# 2037927-060. Not a rare type, but a little more difficult to obtain in High Mint State, especially with the RB designation, and this example is very well preserved. Obv. Horse with Rider, TIME IS MONEY, 1863, EXIGENCY; Rv. Hussey's Special Message Post, 50 Williams St. New York, Star below. History: Mr. Hussey began his career at the Bank of New York in 1834. Working in the banking industry, Hussey saw a need for a service which could courier documents. At the time, the only services available for businesses were private postal services as well as the United States Postal Service. Unfortunately, neither of these two options could rapidly move documents amongst the various financial institutions located throughout New York City. Seizing his opportunity, while remaining an employee at the bank, in 1854 Hussey founded the "Bank and Insurance City Post." Immediately Hussey's service was a resounding success. Filling a need so desperately sought, firms throughout the greater New York area employed his delivery services. Besides New York City itself, Hussey's territories also included delivery and pick-up in Brooklyn, Harlem, Staten Island, and Jersey City. In 1858 Hussey renamed his firm "Hussey's Instant Special Message Service". It was at this time that he also moved his operations to 50 William Street. Employing a rotating staff of 25-40 messengers, Hussey issued his own "postal stamps" at a cost of 1-cent apiece. By 1862 Hussey raised his rates to 2-cents, and subsequently issued a 2-cent denomination stamp. For special deliveries, Hussey charged higher fees, and issued higher-denominated stamps accordingly. In addition to his stamps, Hussey also issued his own Civil War Store Card in 1863. For another 12 years Hussey ran his Instant Special Message Service until 1875. Retiring due to ill health, Hussey sold his operation to Mr. Robert Easson.

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