(1876) Brass Token NY-NY 810A, Geo. P. Rowell & Co.

Coin Details

Description

This brass Centennial token (NY-NY 810A) was issued by Geo. P. Rowell & Co., an advertising agency and publisher of New York City. George P. Rowell operated one of the earliest advertising agencies in the United States, also publishing the American Newspaper Directory that revolutionized advertising with verified circulation figures. American Newspaper Directory revolutionized advertising with verified circulation. An advertising agency issuing advertising tokens was ironic. Brass tokens featured a distinctive gold-like appearance that elevated them above copper and white metal pieces in the Centennial souvenir hierarchy. Dies were cut at the Lingg brothers' Philadelphia workshop, where the firm had developed efficient production methods for the high volume of merchant token orders. The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 marked the first time the United States hosted an official World's Fair, using the occasion to display a century of national achievement.

Rarity Notes

NY-NY 810A in brass is a collectible Centennial merchant token. George P. Rowell operated one of the earliest advertising agencies in the United States, also publishing the American Newspaper Directory that revolutionized advertising with verified circulation figures. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

NY-NY 810A; PCGS #525364