1879 Token Ferracute PA State Fair Copper

Coin Details

Description

This copper token was produced by the Ferracute Machine Company of Bridgeton, New Jersey, at the 1879 Pennsylvania State Fair. Ferracute was one of America's leading manufacturers of coin presses, stamping machines, and metalworking equipment. Founded by Oberlin Smith in 1863, the company supplied minting equipment to governments and private mints worldwide. Fair tokens like this were struck on Ferracute presses as demonstrations of the company's equipment, serving simultaneously as advertising and as souvenirs for fair attendees. 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. The craftsmanship of merchant store card dies reflects the skill of 19th century American die sinkers, who produced detailed designs using hand-cut steel dies. Merchant store cards represent one of the most diverse collecting fields in American numismatics, spanning hundreds of merchants across dozens of states.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Ferracute series.