(1876) Bronze Token Pa-Ph 225 & 230, Mule

Coin Details

Description

Struck in bronze, this die mule (Pa-Ph 225) pairs the Exposition building obverse die depicting the Main Exhibition Building at the Centennial grounds in Fairmount Park with the Centennial commemorative die featuring George Washington portrait bust. The Lingg firm created mule combinations by pairing obverse and reverse dies from different merchant or commemorative series, producing distinctive cross-die varieties. Die mules survive in smaller quantities than standard merchant issues, as they were produced deliberately for the collector market rather than for mass distribution. Bronze tokens combined durability with an attractive golden-brown patina that developed over time, making them a popular mid-range choice for Centennial souvenirs. Philadelphia merchants capitalized on the Centennial crowds by commissioning advertising tokens, recognizing that the influx of out-of-town visitors represented a once-in-a-generation marketing opportunity.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 225 in bronze is a scarce die mule. Mule combinations were produced in smaller quantities than standard merchant tokens, making them prized by advanced Centennial token collectors.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 225; PCGS #802693