1860 Token Miller NY-1007 Silver M.L. Marshall

Coin Details

Auction Record

$600 MS66RB 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Morgan L. Marshall was born in Vernon, New York in 1822 and operated a variety store at 202 West First Street in Oswego, New York. His shop sold an eclectic assortment of goods including Berlin wools, embroidery supplies, fishing tackle, toys, and rare coins. Marshall's tokens (Miller NY-1007 and NY-1010) in silver and white metal reflect his dual interests in retail commerce and numismatics. The use of silver for a merchant token is unusual, indicating either a premium collector issue or Marshall's personal interest in precious metal pieces as a coin dealer. His store served the port city of Oswego on Lake Ontario, a busy commercial center for the Great Lakes trade. This silver striking is a rare variant, as most merchant tokens were struck in copper or brass. The silver composition marks this as a premium production, struck in limited quantities for presentation or collector purposes. Silver merchant tokens are significantly rarer than their base metal counterparts and command strong premiums at auction. M.L. Marshall (Morgan L. Marshall) issued 2 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller NY-1007.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings are considerably scarcer than base metal versions, typically produced for collectors or as premium presentation pieces. M.L. Marshall (Morgan L. Marshall) issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-1007