UNITED STATES. 1776-present. Token (Silver, 28 mm, 6.12 g, 12 h), advertisement for physican Dr. Ralph H. Darby on a 2 Reales 1779 of Carlos III from Lima. Boston, Massachusetts, no date (circa 1854-1855). CAROLUS III DEI GRATIA / •1779• Laureate and cuirassed bust of Carlos III to right:; countermark CONSULT / DR. DARBY / BOSTON. Rev. •HISPAN•ET IND•REX•LMAE•2 R•M•J Crowned coat of arms between the Pillars of Hercules, PLUS - ULTRA. Cf. Brunk D-78 (for countermark). Calicó 592 (for host coin). Miller-Mass 34 (for countermark). Rare and unusually well preserved. Beautifully toned. Minor marks and a small graffito on the obverse, otherwise, host coin fine, countermark good very fine.


These countermarked coins were used as a form of advertising on circulating silver coins, particularly Spanish colonial 1- and 2-reales pieces, which at the time were still legal tender and widely used in everyday commerce throughout the United States. They are traditionally attributed to Dr. Ralph H. Darby, who is documented in Boston directories as an apothecary at 91 Broad Street in 1851 and 1852 and later at other Boston addresses.

The countermarks are generally dated to the early or mid-1850s, with Rulau assigning them more specifically to 1854-1855. By stamping his name and the invitation ‘CONSULT’ onto coins that remained in everyday circulation, Darby effectively turned ordinary pocket change into small, durable advertisements for his medical practice.