(1858) Token Miller NY-488, George H. Lovett

Coin Details

Description

This token from circa 1858 is cataloged as Miller NY-488 and is attributed to George H. Lovett, one of New York City's most prolific and accomplished die sinkers of the mid-nineteenth century. The Miller catalog, compiled by Donald M. Miller, is the standard reference for American store cards and merchant tokens of the 1858-1869 period that fall outside the Civil War token series covered by the Fuld catalog. Lovett operated from several locations in New York City and produced a vast array of tokens, medals, game counters, and store cards for merchants, organizations, and collectors. George Hampshire Lovett learned die sinking from his father Robert Lovett Sr. and established himself as one of the premier engravers in New York. His work ranged from commercial store cards advertising merchants' businesses to artistic medals commemorating historical events. NY-488 in the Miller catalog indicates this is a New York-attributed piece, with the numerical suffix placing it within the extensive sequence of New York City tokens. Lovett's pieces are recognized for their technical excellence and artistic quality, and he maintained relationships with prominent numismatists of his era who commissioned special strikings and die combinations for their collections.

Rarity Notes

Miller NY-488 is a scarce variety within the Lovett token series. George H. Lovett pieces are collected both for their artistic merit and their significance in the history of American die sinking.

Cross References

PCGS #533829; Miller NY-488; George H. Lovett, New York die sinker