(1850-53) Token Miller NY-224 Copper Doremus & Nixon

Coin Details

Description

The full firm name was Doremus, Suydam & Nixon, with partners Thomas C. Doremus, James Suydam, Cornelius R. Suydam, and John Nixon. They operated first at 209 Pearl Street and later at 39 Nassau Street. Thomas C. Doremus was a co-founder of New York University, reflecting the prominent civic position held by the firm's senior partner. Their copper and brass tokens (Miller NY-224 and NY-224B) advertised one of the largest dry goods importing houses in antebellum New York. The firm imported European textiles and distributed them to retailers throughout the country, making dry goods the backbone of New York's commercial economy. This copper piece follows the convention of most merchant store cards, which used copper planchets to approximate the look and feel of federal coinage. The material choice minimized production costs while maximizing public acceptance. Cataloged as Miller NY-224 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller NY-224. Suydam & Nixon issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-224