(c.1850) Token Miller Mich-2 Copper J. Dimmick

Coin Details

Auction Record

$168 MS65 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

J. Dimmick was a Michigan merchant whose tokens (Miller Mich-2 and Mich-3) in copper and gilt brass date to approximately 1850. Michigan was developing rapidly in this period as Detroit grew into a major manufacturing center and the state's lumber, mining, and agricultural industries attracted settlers from the East. The copper planchet gave this token an appearance closely resembling contemporary United States cents, facilitating its acceptance in daily commerce. Copper merchant tokens of this type circulated widely as advertising pieces and emergency small change. Cataloged as Miller Mich-2 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. The Miller reference catalog, compiled by Donald M. Miller, remains the standard numismatic reference for American merchant store cards and provides the definitive numbering system used by collectors and auction houses. The numismatic market for merchant store cards has grown steadily, with rare varieties commanding significant premiums at major auctions.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller Mich-2. Dimmick issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller Mich-2