(1876) Brass Token Pa-Ph 785A, John E. Vallee

Coin Details

Auction Record

$282 MS64 10-22-2024 eBay

Description

This brass Centennial token (Pa-Ph 785A) was issued by John E. Vallee, a confectioner and baker of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia confectioner who issued seven Centennial token varieties, placing him among the most prolific individual issuers. Seven-variety series places Vallee among the top tier of Centennial token issuers. Multiple die combinations reflect the flexibility of Lingg production system. Brass tokens featured a distinctive gold-like appearance that elevated them above copper and white metal pieces in the Centennial souvenir hierarchy. Made by the Lingg die-sinking establishment, which had positioned itself as the primary supplier of merchant tokens for the Centennial. Businesses along the routes between downtown Philadelphia and Fairmount Park saw extraordinary traffic during the Centennial months, as millions of visitors passed through on their way to the Exposition.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 785A, this brass variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 785A; PCGS #533303