(c.1850) Token Miller Pa-478 Silvered Brass Sleeper & Fenner

Coin Details

Description

Sleeper & Fenner were umbrella and parasol manufacturers at 126 Market Street in Philadelphia. Their tokens (Miller Pa-476 and Pa-478) in brass and silvered brass feature a distinctive design that mimics the gold Liberty Head dollar, with the word "PARASOL" incorporated into the Liberty coronet. This clever advertising device made the token immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with the gold dollar, while promoting the firm's specialty product. The umbrella and parasol trade was a significant manufacturing sector in Philadelphia, which served as one of the nation's primary centers for specialty goods production. The silvered surface treatment gave this token a premium, coin-like appearance, though the plating was susceptible to wear over time. Silvered tokens are scarcer than plain base metal issues, and examples retaining their original surface are particularly desirable. Sleeper & Fenner issued 2 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller Pa-478.

Rarity Notes

White metal and silvered strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to softer alloy composition. Sleeper & Fenner issued 2 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller Pa-478