(1851-59) Token Miller La-33 Copper E. Jacobs

Coin Details

Description

Edward Jacobs (1813-1892) was a daguerreotype artist at 93 Camp Street in New Orleans. Jacobs photographed General Zachary Taylor and other notable figures, establishing himself as one of the premier photographers in the antebellum South. He was a member of the Hebrew Benevolent Association and an active participant in New Orleans's Jewish community. His copper and brass tokens (Miller La-33 and La-34) advertised his photographic studio during the golden age of the daguerreotype, when portrait photography was transforming how Americans documented their lives and appearances. 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 La-33 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. Merchant store cards represent one of the most diverse collecting fields in American numismatics, spanning hundreds of merchants across dozens of states.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller La-33.

Cross References

Miller La-33