(c.1850) Token Miller NY-497 Copper J.D. Lovett

Coin Details

Description

J.D. Lovett was a die sinker and medalist in New York City, related to the Lovett family of engravers who were among the most prolific producers of tokens, medals, and dies in nineteenth-century America. The Lovett family's work spans from the 1840s through the 1890s and includes Civil War tokens, store cards, commemorative medals, and political pieces. Miller NY-497 is one of several pieces bearing the Lovett name. 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 NY-497 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. Collecting merchant store cards has been an active pursuit since the Civil War era, with systematic cataloging beginning with Lyman Low's work in the 1890s and continuing through Miller's comprehensive reference.

Rarity Notes

Copper striking, the standard metal for merchant tokens of this period. Miller NY-497.

Cross References

Miller NY-497