(1876) Brass Token Pa-Ph 324, Pfaelzer Bros.

Coin Details

Description

This brass token (Pa-Ph 324) 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. Brass tokens featured a distinctive gold-like appearance that elevated them above copper and white metal pieces in the Centennial souvenir hierarchy. Lingg & Bro. dominated Centennial token production from their central Philadelphia location, producing merchant advertising dies at an output unmatched by any competitor. These tokens functioned simultaneously as merchant advertising and personal keepsakes, allowing Exposition visitors to carry home a tangible reminder of both their visit and the issuing business. The merchant tokens from the 1876 Centennial preserve a snapshot of Philadelphia's commercial life, documenting businesses ranging from restaurants and hotels to dry goods stores and hardware dealers.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 324 in brass is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 324; PCGS #600238