(1875) Brass Token GW-657, Centennial Advertising

Coin Details

Auction Record

$336 MS65 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass token cataloged as GW-657 is a centennial advertising piece, produced circa 1875 in anticipation of the American Centennial celebration of 1876. The centennial of American independence generated enormous commercial activity, as manufacturers and merchants produced a flood of commemorative merchandise including medals, tokens, souvenirs, and advertising pieces. Washington's portrait was the most popular motif for centennial merchandise, as the first president embodied the revolutionary generation being celebrated. Advertising tokens like this brass piece served dual purposes: promoting a commercial enterprise while commemorating the nation's hundredth birthday. The brass composition gave the token an attractive gold-like appearance at low cost. The centennial period produced more Washington-themed tokens and medals than any previous era in American history, reflecting both the depth of public patriotic sentiment and the commercial opportunity presented by the celebration.

Rarity Notes

GW-657, brass. Centennial advertising token. Moderate availability from substantial centennial-era production.

Cross References

PCGS #789065; GW-657; Centennial Advertising, brass