(c.1850) Token Miller Mich-3 Gilt Brass J. Dimmick

Coin Details

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 gilt finish over the base metal provided an eye-catching golden surface that would have attracted immediate attention. Gilt tokens were more expensive to produce and are scarcer than unfinished brass or copper versions. J. Dimmick issued 2 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller Mich-3. American merchant tokens represent an important chapter in the economic history of the United States, documenting the businesses, products, and commercial practices of the 19th century. Collecting merchant store cards has been an active pursuit since the mid-19th century, with systematic cataloging beginning with Lyman Low's work in the 1890s. Donald Miller's comprehensive state-by-state reference, published in the 1960s, established the numbering system still in use today.

Rarity Notes

Gilt pieces are somewhat scarcer than plain brass or copper versions, as the gilding process added cost to production. J. Dimmick issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller Mich-3