(1853) Token Miller Pa-417 Brass W.H. Richardson

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120 MS64 05-18-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

William H. Richardson was a steam-powered umbrella manufacturer at 104 Market Street in Philadelphia. His factory used steam machinery to mass-produce umbrellas, reportedly turning out 1,200 umbrellas per day — a remarkable volume that demonstrated the industrial revolution's impact on everyday consumer goods. Richardson also had a New York City showroom at 229 Broadway, operating across both major eastern cities. His brass token (Miller Pa-417) advertised the Philadelphia manufacturing operation. Richardson's steam-powered production methods represented the cutting edge of mid-century American manufacturing. 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. Cataloged as Miller Pa-417. 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 Pa-417