1860 Token Miller NY-318 Brass E. Hill

Coin Details

Description

E. Hill was a dealer in coins, medals, minerals, autographs, and engravings at 6 Bleecker Street in New York City. Hill's tokens (Miller NY-312, NY-316, NY-318) were produced with dies cut by George H. Lovett, one of the most distinguished die sinkers of the era. The multiple token varieties in white metal and brass reflect Hill's position as both a dealer and a participant in the growing numismatic community of pre-Civil War New York. His diverse inventory — coins, minerals, autographs, and engravings — was typical of the curiosity dealers who served a broad collector clientele in mid-century Manhattan. Struck in brass, this token presented a distinctive golden color that set it apart from the standard copper cent. Merchants who chose brass planchets benefited from the eye-catching appearance while keeping production costs low. E. Hill issued 3 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller NY-318. The dies for merchant tokens were typically cut by professional engravers, though some frontier examples show more primitive workmanship.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens. E. Hill issued 3 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-318