(1876) Brass Token Pa-Ph 316H, Penn Mutual Life Ins. Company

Coin Details

Description

Struck in brass for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 316H) was commissioned by Penn Mutual Life Ins. Company, life insurance company of Philadelphia. The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, founded in 1847, was one of Philadelphia's most prominent financial institutions and remains operating in the 21st century. Brass tokens (Pa-Ph 316H) represent premium corporate distribution. Insurance companies were prominent Centennial participants. Struck in brass (a copper-zinc alloy), a premium composition for Centennial tokens. The golden color made brass pieces stand out among the more common white metal and copper tokens. Produced by Lingg & Bro., whose Philadelphia workshop turned out Centennial merchant tokens at an industrious pace throughout 1876. Memorial Hall, the Exposition's permanent art gallery, was the only major building designed to survive the fair and remains standing in Fairmount Park as a lasting architectural legacy of the Centennial.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 316H, this brass variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 316H; PCGS #876150