(1860) Token Miller Pa-220 Bronze William Idler

Coin Details

Description

William Idler (1820-1888) was a Philadelphia coin dealer and die sinker who was one of the earliest professional numismatists in the United States. His tokens (Miller Pa-212 and Pa-212A) in brass and white metal served as advertisements for his coin dealing business. Idler was an active participant in the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society and is remembered as one of the pioneers who helped establish coin collecting as a serious pursuit in America. Bronze tokens provided a durable, attractive medium for merchant advertising. The alloy's resistance to corrosion and wear ensured the merchant's name and message remained legible through extended circulation. Cataloged as Miller Pa-220 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. Collecting merchant store cards has been an active pursuit since the Civil War era, with systematic cataloging beginning with Lyman Low's work in the 1890s and continuing through Miller's comprehensive reference.

Rarity Notes

Bronze striking. Durable alloy that preserved design details through circulation. Miller Pa-220. William Idler issued 3 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller Pa-220