(1876) Copper Token Pa-Ph 496A, F.G. Williams & Co.

Coin Details

Description

F.G. Williams & Co. issued this copper souvenir token (Pa-Ph 496A) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. Philadelphia merchants with three varieties in Pa-Ph 496-497. Cataloged near end of base-metal Philadelphia series. Copper was a favored composition for merchants willing to invest more than the minimum white metal cost, producing tokens with a warmer color and greater durability. Dies were cut at the Lingg brothers' Philadelphia workshop, where the firm had developed efficient production methods for the high volume of merchant token orders. The Exposition's 285 acres in Fairmount Park contained five main buildings and scores of smaller pavilions where 37 nations displayed their cultural and industrial achievements. Lingg & Bro. offered merchants a complete token service — from die design through striking — and could produce orders in any of several metal compositions to suit different advertising budgets.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 496A, this copper variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 496A; PCGS #903139