(1851-59) Token Miller La-34 Brass 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 brass alloy provided this token with a golden luster that differentiated it from common copper cents. Brass tokens were perceived as slightly more valuable than copper issues, making them more likely to be retained by recipients. E. Jacobs (Edward Jacobs) issued 2 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller La-34. Tokens of this type are collected both as numismatic objects and as historical documents of 19th century American business.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. E. Jacobs (Edward Jacobs) issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller La-34