1860 Token Miller NY-2054A Copper Great Eastern

Coin Details

Description

These tokens (Miller NY-2054 and NY-2054A) commemorate the SS Great Eastern, the largest ship in the world when launched in 1858. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Great Eastern visited New York Harbor in 1860, attracting enormous crowds. The ship was 692 feet long and could carry 4,000 passengers. Enterprising token makers issued commemorative pieces to capitalize on public fascination with the engineering marvel. The Great Eastern later gained fame for laying the successful transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866. Copper was the workhorse metal of the American token industry, and this piece exemplifies the standard merchant store card format. The copper planchet accepted fine engraving detail and resisted corrosion, helping tokens survive decades of pocket carry. Cataloged as Miller NY-2054A in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. Tokens of this type are collected both as numismatic objects and as historical documents of 19th century American business.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller NY-2054A. Great Eastern issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-2054A