1859 Token Miller NY-762A Copper A.B. Sage & Co. Thick Plan

Coin Details

Description

Augustus B. Sage (1841-1874) was one of the primary founders of the American Numismatic Society in 1858, joining the organization as a teenager. Originally a schoolteacher, Sage turned to coin dealing full-time and became known for commissioning the "Sage's Numismatic Gallery" series of medallions depicting famous numismatic personalities. His tokens (Miller NY-752 and NY-762A) advertised his dealership. Sage died young at age 33, but his legacy endures through the ANS, which grew into the premier numismatic research institution in the United States. His store cards are collected both as merchant tokens and as artifacts of early American numismatic history. The copper planchet gave this token an appearance closely resembling contemporary United States cents, facilitating its acceptance in daily commerce. Copper merchant tokens of this type circulated widely as advertising pieces and emergency small change. Cataloged as Miller NY-762A in the standard reference for American merchant tokens.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller NY-762A.

Cross References

Miller NY-762A