1860 Token Miller NY-969 Copper Woodgate & Co.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$132 PR66RB 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

Woodgate & Co. were dealers in wines and brandies at 904 Broadway in New York City. The firm issued copper tokens (Miller NY-969 and NY-987) that were connected to J.N.T. Levick, a prolific token issuer and distributor. The partnership with F.C. Key on at least one variety suggests a business relationship or shared advertising venture between wine merchants. Their location on upper Broadway placed them in a fashionable commercial district frequented by New York's growing middle and upper classes. Struck in copper, this token matched the federal large cent in appearance and weight, making it immediately recognizable to the public. Copper remained the dominant planchet choice for merchant tokens throughout the antebellum and Civil War periods. Cataloged as Miller NY-969 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 Tokens of this type are collected both as numismatic objects and as historical documents of 19th century American business.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-969. Woodgate & Co. issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-969