(1876) Brass Token Pa-Ph 322B, Pfaelzer Bros.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$60 UNC Details 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass token (Pa-Ph 322B) was issued as a souvenir of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition. Issued by Pfaelzer Bros., this piece circulated among the nearly ten million visitors who attended the Exposition at Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10, 1876. The brass composition gave this token an attractive golden appearance, distinguishing it from the more commonly encountered white metal and copper versions of this merchant's series. Lingg & Bro. handled the bulk of merchant token production for the 1876 Centennial from their Philadelphia establishment. The Exposition's 285 acres in Fairmount Park contained five main buildings and scores of smaller pavilions where 37 nations displayed their cultural and industrial achievements. The massive influx of Centennial visitors boosted Philadelphia commerce well beyond the Exposition grounds, benefiting hotels, restaurants, dry goods stores, and specialty shops across the city.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 322B in brass is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 322B; PCGS #908428