1860 Token Miller Pa-90A Copper Edward Cogan

Coin Details

Description

Edward Cogan (1803-1884) was one of the most important early American coin dealers, operating from Philadelphia beginning in the late 1850s. Born in England, Cogan emigrated to the United States and became a pioneering figure in the American numismatic trade. He conducted numerous auction sales of coins and medals and was a member of the American Numismatic Society. His extensive series of tokens (Miller Pa-90 through Pa-101) served as business cards for his numismatic dealership and are themselves collected as significant examples of the token art form. 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 Pa-90A in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. Authentication of merchant store cards relies on die characteristics, metal analysis, and provenance, as counterfeits of the rarest varieties exist.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller Pa-90A. Edward Cogan issued 7 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller Pa-90A