1859 Token Miller NY-142 Brass Eleanor Rugg Byrne

Coin Details

Auction Record

$350 MS64 03-24-2024 eBay

Description

Eleanor Rugg Byrne operated a millinery and fancy goods establishment in New York City. Her tokens (Miller NY-141 through NY-143) are notable as one of the few merchant token issues attributed to a female business proprietor in the pre-Civil War era. Women-owned businesses in antebellum New York were concentrated in trades considered appropriate for female entrepreneurs, particularly millinery, dressmaking, and fancy goods retail. The brass composition gave this token an attractive golden hue that distinguished it from copper coinage. Brass planchets were slightly more expensive than copper but produced a more visually striking advertising piece. Eleanor Rugg Byrne issued 3 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller NY-142. The craftsmanship of merchant store card dies reflects the skill of 19th century American die sinkers, who produced detailed designs using hand-cut steel dies. Authentication of merchant store cards relies on die characteristics, metal analysis, and provenance, as counterfeits of the rarest varieties exist.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens. Eleanor Rugg Byrne issued 3 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-142