1850 Token Miller Ky-36 Copper S. T. Suit

Coin Details

Description

Samuel Taylor Suit (1832-1888) was a Kentucky bourbon distiller known for his "Salt River Bourbon" brand. His tokens (Miller Ky-36 and Ky-37) in copper and brass advertised the distilling business. Suit later achieved considerable wealth, purchasing a seat on the New York Stock Exchange and acquiring a large estate in Maryland. The town of Suitland, Maryland is named after his family. His transition from Kentucky distiller to New York financier exemplifies the social mobility available to successful entrepreneurs in mid-nineteenth-century America. The copper planchet gave this token an appearance closely resembling contemporary United States cents, facilitating its acceptance in daily commerce. Copper merchant tokens of this type circulated widely as advertising pieces and emergency small change. Cataloged as Miller Ky-36 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. The numismatic market for merchant store cards has grown steadily, with rare varieties commanding significant premiums at major auctions.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller Ky-36.

Cross References

Miller Ky-36