1876 Token Miller NY-525 Copper John Matthews

Coin Details

Description

John Matthews (1808-1870) was known as the "Soda Fountain King" and was the pioneer of the American soda water industry. His company manufactured the apparatus used to carbonate and dispense soda water, transforming it from a pharmacy specialty into a mainstream American beverage. This 1876 copper token (Miller NY-525) was issued posthumously, likely by his successors who continued the business. Matthews' factory on East 26th Street in Manhattan produced equipment that supplied soda fountains across the country. This copper piece follows the convention of most merchant store cards, which used copper planchets to approximate the look and feel of federal coinage. The material choice minimized production costs while maximizing public acceptance. Cataloged as Miller NY-525 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 Tokens of this type are collected both as numismatic objects and as historical documents of 19th century American business.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-525.

Cross References

Miller NY-525