(1876) Brass Token NY-NY 780B, Geo. E. Phelan

Coin Details

Description

Geo. E. Phelan issued this brass souvenir token (NY-NY 780B) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. Associated with the billiard equipment trade from the 1850s, issuing five Centennial token varieties. Catalog numbers in NY-NY 780 place Phelan among mid-series New York issues. Five-variety series (NY-NY 780) represents significant advertising investment. Brass Centennial tokens were typically reserved for preferred customers or sold at a modest premium over white metal pieces, resulting in smaller surviving populations. Lingg & Bro. supplied the majority of Centennial advertising tokens from their centrally located Philadelphia shop. The Lingg establishment combined die-sinking craft with efficient production methods, enabling merchants to receive customized tokens in quantities ranging from hundreds to thousands of pieces.

Rarity Notes

NY-NY 780B in brass is encountered with moderate frequency in the Centennial token market. Condition census runs from well-worn to occasional choice examples.

Cross References

NY-NY 780B; PCGS #525336