(c.1850) Token Miller NY-71 Copper Theodor Bollenhagen & Co NY

Coin Details

Description

Theodor Bollenhagen & Co. were importers of toys, fancy goods, and gaming counters (spielmarken) at 49 Maiden Lane in New York City. Bollenhagen was a German immigrant who dealt extensively in European-manufactured goods for the American market. The firm specialized in spielmarken — gaming counters used in card games — which were popular household items in mid-century America. Their token (Miller NY-71) reflects the concentration of German importers along Maiden Lane and William Street, which served as the center of New York's toy and novelty goods trade. Copper was the workhorse metal of the American token industry, and this piece exemplifies the standard merchant store card format. The copper planchet accepted fine engraving detail and resisted corrosion, helping tokens survive decades of pocket carry. Cataloged as Miller NY-71 in the standard reference for American merchant tokens. 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. Miller NY-71.

Cross References

Miller NY-71