1860 Token Miller NY-491B Brass George H. Lovett

Coin Details

Auction Record

$720 MS63 08-25-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

George Hampden Lovett (1824-1894) was one of New York's most distinguished die sinkers and medalists. A member of the prolific Lovett family of engravers, George H. Lovett produced hundreds of tokens, medals, and store cards throughout his career. His own store card (Miller NY-487) served as an advertisement for his die-sinking services. Lovett's work is noted for its artistic quality and technical precision, and his pieces are eagerly sought by collectors of American medals and tokens. 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. George H. Lovett issued 3 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller NY-491B. Pre-Civil War merchant tokens circulated during a period of chronic small change shortages, when copper tokens filled an essential gap in the American monetary system.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens. George H. Lovett issued 3 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-491B