(1876) Copper Token NY-NY 781A, Geo. E. Phelan

Coin Details

Auction Record

$312 MS66RB 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Struck in copper for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (NY-NY 781A) was commissioned by Geo. E. Phelan, billiard table manufacturer of New York City. Associated with the billiard equipment trade from the 1850s, issuing five Centennial token varieties. Five-variety series (NY-NY 780) represents significant advertising investment. Brass variants survive in smaller numbers as higher cost limited quantities. 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. Struck from dies by the Lingg firm, whose central Philadelphia location gave them direct access to the merchants seeking Centennial advertising pieces. 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.

Rarity Notes

NY-NY 781A in copper is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Associated with the billiard equipment trade from the 1850s, issuing five Centennial token varieties. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

NY-NY 781A; PCGS #907019