(1876) Brass Token Pa-Ph 225, Mule w/ Pa-Ph 229 Obv

Coin Details

Description

This brass die mule (Pa-Ph 225) combines two unrelated Centennial token dies: the Exposition building obverse die depicting the Main Exhibition Building at the Centennial grounds in Fairmount Park paired with the Centennial commemorative die with Liberty Bell design, the central symbol of the Exposition. Produced at the Lingg & Bro. shop at 36 North 8th Street in Philadelphia, mule tokens were created as special collector pieces by combining dies from unrelated token series. Mule tokens are generally scarcer than the standard merchant tokens from which their dies originated. Brass tokens featured a distinctive gold-like appearance that elevated them above copper and white metal pieces in the Centennial souvenir hierarchy. Local merchants viewed the Centennial as an unprecedented opportunity to advertise to visitors from every state and dozens of foreign countries, many of whom were visiting Philadelphia for the first time.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 225 in brass is a scarce die mule. Mule combinations were produced in smaller quantities than standard merchant tokens, making them prized by advanced Centennial token collectors.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 225; PCGS #694510