(1846-1850) Token Miller NY-77 Brass Bowen & McNamee

Coin Details

Description

Bowen & McNamee were silk importers at 112-114 Broadway in New York City. Henry Chandler Bowen (1813-1896) was a prominent abolitionist and publisher of The Independent, an influential antislavery newspaper. His partner Theodore McNamee helped run the importing business. The firm went bankrupt when the Civil War disrupted the Southern cotton and silk trade. Bowen later became a Republican political figure and hosted President Grant at his Woodstock, Connecticut estate. Their brass token (Miller NY-77) advertised the silk importing business during its peak years. The brass composition gave this token an attractive golden hue that distinguished it from copper coinage. Brass planchets were slightly more expensive than copper but produced a more visually striking advertising piece. Cataloged as Miller NY-77. The numismatic market for merchant store cards has grown steadily, with rare varieties commanding significant premiums at major auctions.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens.

Cross References

Miller NY-77