(1876) Brass Token Pa-Ph 502, Wood's Museum

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS64 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Issued by Wood's Museum during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this brass token (Pa-Ph 502) advertises a museum and entertainment venue operating from Philadelphia. J.H. Wood's Museum was a popular Philadelphia dime museum displaying curiosities, wax figures, and live performances in the tradition of P.T. Barnum, competing directly with the Centennial for entertainment spending. Dime museums charged nominal admission for curiosities and variety acts. 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. Manufactured by Lingg & Bro. of Philadelphia, the die-sinking firm that dominated merchant token production throughout the Centennial season. Approximately ten million people visited the Centennial grounds in Fairmount Park during its six-month run, generating enormous demand for affordable keepsakes that merchants were eager to supply.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 502, this brass variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 502; PCGS #525256