Historic 5¢ trade token from the Nicollet Hotel in St. Peter, Minnesota, cataloged as TokenCatalog #222138 / TC-222138.

This is an octagonal brass hotel trade token struck by Schaaf Manufacturing Co. of Minneapolis, a well-known maker of merchant and trade tokens.

Token inscriptions:

Hotel side:
NICOLLET HOTEL
ST. PETER
SCHAAF-MPLS.
MINN.

Value side:
GOOD FOR
5¢
SCHAAF-MPLS.
IN TRADE

A great piece of Minnesota hotel history

The Nicollet Hotel was originally known as the Nicollet House and opened in 1873 as a first-class hotel serving travelers coming through St. Peter during the railroad era. The building was designed by noted St. Paul architect Edward P. Bassford and was considered one of the finer hotels in Minnesota at the time.

Historical records associated with the hotel note that its guest register included prominent visitors such as Jesse James, William Jennings Bryan, and Minnesota Governor John A. Johnson.

The hotel also survived a major 1887 fire that devastated part of St. Peter’s commercial district. A neighboring structure was reportedly torn down to help stop the flames from reaching the hotel.

The Nicollet continued operating as a hotel until 1974 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Its story did not end there. The building was severely damaged during the devastating 1998 St. Peter tornado and was at one point threatened with demolition. It was ultimately saved, restored, and continues to stand today in St. Peter.

Dating the token

The token bears the SCHAAF-MPLS. maker’s mark for Schaaf Manufacturing Co. of Minneapolis. Schaaf operated during the 20th century, so although the hotel dates to 1873, this particular token was likely issued sometime after approximately 1911 and before the hotel ceased operation in 1974.

Based on the 5¢ denomination, octagonal brass format, and overall style, it appears consistent with an early-to-mid 20th century hotel trade token, although an exact year of issue is not known.

The token would have been redeemable for 5 cents in trade at the Nicollet Hotel, although the exact goods or services for which it was used are not presently documented.

Details:

• Nicollet Hotel / Nicollet House
• St. Peter, Nicollet County, Minnesota
• Good for 5¢ in trade
• Brass
• Octagonal shape
• Manufactured by Schaaf Manufacturing Co., Minneapolis
• TokenCatalog TC-222138
• Likely early-to-mid 20th century
• Historic Minnesota hotel and railroad-era memorabilia

The token shows age-related wear, toning, oxidation, and surface marks consistent with use and age. Please review all photos carefully for the exact condition, color, lettering, and surfaces.

The token pictured is the exact item you will receive.

A wonderful little piece of Minnesota, St. Peter, Nicollet County, hotel, railroad-era, merchant-token, and exonumia history with a surprisingly deep story behind it.