(1853-54) Token Miller Mo-41 Brass, Weston, MO M.A. Abrahams

Coin Details

Auction Record

$480 MS64 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

Abraham M. Abraham was a Jewish merchant who operated the "People's Outfitting Store" in Independence and Weston, Missouri, outfitting settlers heading west on the Oregon and California trails. Independence was the primary jumping-off point for westward migration, and merchants like Abraham supplied wagons, provisions, and equipment for the arduous journey. His brass token (Miller Mo-41) is also cataloged as Musante GW-190 and Baker-506, reflecting its significance in the George Washington medal series. Abraham served the diverse frontier community of western Missouri during the peak years of overland emigration. Struck in brass, this token presented a distinctive golden color that set it apart from the standard copper cent. Merchants who chose brass planchets benefited from the eye-catching appearance while keeping production costs low. Cataloged as Miller Mo-41. The dies for merchant tokens were typically cut by professional engravers, though some frontier examples show more primitive workmanship.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens.

Cross References

Miller Mo-41