1850 Token Miller Ky-37 Brass 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. Brass was a favored alternative to copper for merchant tokens, offering a warm golden tone that attracted attention. This brass striking would have stood out immediately in a handful of copper cents. S.T. Suit (Samuel Taylor Suit) issued 2 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller Ky-37. Tokens of this type are collected both as numismatic objects and as historical documents of 19th century American business.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens. S.T. Suit (Samuel Taylor Suit) issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller Ky-37