(1854-57) Token Miller Pa-327 Copper William W. Long

Coin Details

Auction Record

$204 MS63BN 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

William W. Long was a Philadelphia merchant whose copper token (Miller Pa-327) dates to the mid-1850s. Long's token is part of the Miller catalog's Pennsylvania section, which documents the commercial activity of Philadelphia's extensive merchant community during the late antebellum period. Copper was the workhorse metal of the American token industry, and this piece exemplifies the standard merchant store card format. The copper planchet accepted fine engraving detail and resisted corrosion, helping tokens survive decades of pocket carry. Cataloged as Miller Pa-327 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. The Miller reference catalog, compiled by Donald M. Miller, remains the standard numismatic reference for American merchant store cards and provides the definitive numbering system used by collectors and auction houses. Collector interest in merchant store cards has grown as the tokens are increasingly recognized as primary historical documents of 19th century commerce.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller Pa-327.

Cross References

Miller Pa-327