(1876) Copper Medal J-UN-3, Rulau DC-27A, Army of the Tennessee

Coin Details

Description

This copper token (J-UN-3) was issued as a souvenir of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition. This piece circulated among the nearly ten million visitors who attended the Exposition at Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10, 1876. Struck in copper, a mid-tier composition for Centennial tokens. Copper pieces cost more than white metal but less than brass, offering a balance of durability and visual appeal. Lingg & Bro. produced these dies from their Philadelphia shop, where they maintained an inventory of standard reverses that could be paired with custom merchant obverses. Philadelphia's population effectively doubled during the Centennial's run, as nearly ten million visitors created a souvenir market that merchant tokens were perfectly positioned to serve. The Lingg brothers' workshop served as a full-service token manufacturer, where merchants could select from white metal, copper, brass, or bronze compositions for their customized advertising pieces.

Rarity Notes

J-UN-3 in copper is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Rulau DC-27A; PCGS #685911