(c.1850) Token Miller NY-530 Brass Meade Brothers

Coin Details

Description

The Meade Brothers (Charles and Henry) were prominent daguerreotypists who operated a studio in New York City during the early 1850s. Their token (Miller NY-530) advertised their photographic services during the golden age of the daguerreotype, when portrait photography was becoming accessible to the middle class. The Meade Brothers were known for producing high-quality portraits and were among the most successful photographers in pre-Civil War New York. The brass alloy provided this token with a golden luster that differentiated it from common copper cents. Brass tokens were perceived as slightly more valuable than copper issues, making them more likely to be retained by recipients. Cataloged as Miller NY-530. 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. This token type is part of a broader tradition of private American coinage stretching from colonial times through the Civil War era.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings are among the more commonly encountered metal variants for merchant tokens.

Cross References

Miller NY-530