(1859) Token Miller NY-177 Brass John K. Curtis

Coin Details

Description

John K. Curtis was one of New York's earliest coin and token dealers, active in the late 1850s when numismatic collecting was emerging as a popular American hobby. His tokens (Miller NY-177 through NY-189) served as both advertisements for his business and as collectible pieces in their own right. Curtis was part of a small but growing community of New York numismatists who helped establish the foundations of organized coin collecting in America. 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. John K. Curtis issued 3 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller NY-177. The Miller reference catalog, compiled by Donald M. Miller, remains the standard numismatic reference for American merchant store cards and provides the definitive numbering system used by collectors and auction houses.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens. John K. Curtis issued 3 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-177