1859 Token Miller NY-143 White Metal Eleanor Rugg Byrne

Coin Details

Auction Record

$70 MS62 05-29-2019 Stack's Bowers

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. This white metal piece is somewhat scarcer than copper or brass versions. Struck in white metal (a tin-lead alloy), this piece has a silvery appearance but is softer than copper or brass. White metal tokens survive in smaller numbers, as the alloy's softness made them more susceptible to bending and surface damage. Eleanor Rugg Byrne issued 3 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller NY-143. Surviving specimens in higher grades are scarce, as most tokens saw extensive commercial use before being saved. Merchant store cards represent one of the most diverse collecting fields in American numismatics, spanning hundreds of merchants across dozens of states.

Rarity Notes

White metal and silvered strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to softer alloy composition. Eleanor Rugg Byrne issued 3 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-143