A Dark Reminder: The Charleston SC Miller SC-10 1846 W.W. Wilbur Slave Auction Merchant Copper Token
Charleston SC Miller SC-10 1846 W.W. Wilbur Slave Auction Merchant Copper Token. To purchase this item, check availability here.
History, at times, serves as a painful reflection of our past, capturing moments that have left an indelible mark on society. One such relic from history that has surfaced is the Miller SC-10 1846 W.W. Wilbur Slave Auction Merchant Copper Token from Charleston, SC.
Charleston's Pivotal Role in Slave Trade
Charleston, SC, one of America's most historic cities, has a past steeped in the complexities of the American slave trade. The city's ports saw the arrival of countless enslaved Africans who were then sold at various auction houses. One of the merchants known to have been involved in this trade was W.W. Wilbur, whose name now adorns the copper token in question.
The Significance of the Copper Token
The Miller SC-10 1846 copper token, issued by W.W. Wilbur, is more than just a piece of metal. It's a tangible artifact of a time when human beings were traded as commodities. Its presence reminds us of the dark corners of our history, prompting reflection, acknowledgment, and education.
Its estimated appraised value stands at $750. But its historical significance? Priceless.
Before You Act
Sensitive historical tokens and merchant issues are frequently misattributed, altered, or removed from proper context. Later restrikes, replica pieces, and generalized “slave-era” claims often circulate without firm documentary support, and surface corrosion or cleaning can further obscure originality. Historical weight does not substitute for verification.
If uncertainty remains, a Fast Opinion provides a focused first-stage review based on submitted images—helping determine period consistency, attribution risk, and whether further evaluation is warranted before buying, selling, or insuring.
