1857 Token Miller NY-964, Wood's Minstrels

Coin Details

Description

Wood's Minstrels was one of the most popular minstrel show troupes in antebellum New York City, performing regularly at Wood's Minstrel Hall on Broadway. Henry Wood managed the troupe, which featured blackface musical and comedic performances that were, despite their deeply racist nature, among the most commercially successful entertainment ventures in mid-century America. This token (Miller NY-964) served as an advertising piece or admission check for the troupe's performances. 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 NY-964 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. Authentication of merchant store cards relies on die characteristics, metal analysis, and provenance, as counterfeits of the rarest varieties exist.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller NY-964.

Cross References

Miller NY-964