(1876) Brass Token Pa-Ph 840B, Burr & Witsil

Coin Details

Description

Struck in brass for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 840B) was commissioned by Burr & Witsil, dry goods and hardware merchants of Philadelphia. Philadelphia merchants who commissioned eight die varieties across multiple metals. White metal issues were most widely distributed as inexpensive keepsakes for ten million visitors. Multiple die combinations indicate an ongoing relationship with Lingg throughout the exposition season. 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. Lingg & Bro. produced tokens for more Centennial merchants than any other die-sinking firm in the region. The appeal of Centennial tokens lay in their dual function — merchants gained advertising that traveled with visitors back to their home cities, while visitors acquired an affordable, lasting souvenir.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 840B in brass is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Philadelphia merchants who commissioned eight die varieties across multiple metals. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 840B; PCGS #596789