(1812) Token Miller Pa-344M White Metal R. Lovett Jr.

Coin Details

Description

Robert Lovett Jr. (1826-1899) was a Philadelphia die sinker and engraver, member of the celebrated Lovett family of American engravers. He is most famous for designing the Confederate cent in 1861, a pattern piece commissioned by the Confederacy that Lovett hid for years after the war fearing prosecution. His tokens (Miller Pa-344M, Pa-344N, Pa-354) demonstrate the technical skill that made the Lovett family the preeminent American die-sinking dynasty of the nineteenth century. This white metal piece is somewhat scarcer than copper or brass versions. The white metal composition — a tin-based alloy — produced a bright, coin-like surface that wore less attractively than copper or brass. White metal tokens are scarcer than base metal issues, as the softer alloy was more prone to damage. With 4 known token varieties, Robert Lovett Jr. was an active issuer of merchant tokens. Cataloged as Miller Pa-344M. The dies for merchant tokens were typically cut by professional engravers, though some frontier examples show more primitive workmanship.

Rarity Notes

White metal and silvered strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to softer alloy composition. Robert Lovett Jr. issued 4 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller Pa-344M