(1859) Copper Token Rulau Ma-Bo 77, Sayers, Merriam Die Sinker

Coin Details

Description

Copper token bearing a portrait of Tom Sayers and the die sinker Joseph H. Merriam of Boston, 1859. The obverse depicts a bust of Sayers facing left with the legend THOMAS SAYERS CHAMPION OF ENGLAND 1859. The reverse reads JOS. H. MERRIAM DIE SINKER 18 BRATTLE SQUARE BOSTON / MEDALS STRUCK IN GOLD SILVER, COPPER OR TIN. Sayers was the English bare-knuckle boxing champion whose April 1860 fight with American John C. Heenan at Farnborough, England became one of the most famous sporting events of the era — Merriam also produced a companion token for Heenan (Ma-Bo 78). Merriam (c.1832-1871) was one of Boston's most prolific die sinkers of the mid-19th century, active before, during, and after the Civil War, responsible for producing token and medal dies for numerous merchants, organizations, and commemorative purposes. Copper, plain edge. Tokens in superior condition are infrequently encountered, as the vast majority saw years of active use in daily commercial exchanges.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Boston die sinker token from the Merriam workshop, connected to the famous Sayers-Heenan boxing rivalry. Joseph H. Merriam's die-sinking work is well documented in numismatic literature, and tokens bearing his name are collected as examples of mid-19th century American die-sinking craftsmanship.

Cross References

Rulau Ma-Bo 77; PCGS #761010