(1859) Token Maryland Denarium Idler Copy, W-15675 White Metal

Coin Details

Description

This white metal token cataloged as W-15675 is an Idler copy of the Maryland Denarium, one of the most enigmatic pieces in colonial American numismatics. The original Maryland Denarium, attributed to the proprietary coinage authorized by Lord Baltimore for the Maryland colony in the 1650s, is among the rarest of all colonial American coins. Harold Idler of Philadelphia was a mid-nineteenth century die sinker who produced copies of rare colonial and early American coins during the 1850s, creating accessible reproductions of pieces that were already nearly unobtainable by collectors of that era. The W-15675 catalog number follows the Whitman (or similar standard) reference system for American tokens and medals. Idler's copies, while not original colonial pieces, are themselves collected as significant examples of nineteenth-century numismatic craftsmanship and as historical artifacts documenting the early development of American coin collecting. The white metal composition was typical for Idler's productions, offering an affordable alternative to silver while providing a bright, attractive finish suitable for display.

Rarity Notes

Idler copy in white metal. While more available than the colonial original, Idler copies are themselves collectible nineteenth-century productions. The W-15675 designation identifies this specific variety within the reference catalog.

Cross References

PCGS #896392; W-15675; Idler copy