(1876) Copper Token Pa-Ph 712A, J. Reed

Coin Details

Description

Issued by J. Reed during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this copper token (Pa-Ph 712A) advertises a general merchant operating from Philadelphia. A Philadelphia merchant who commissioned five Centennial token varieties spanning Pa-Ph 710-712 in standard and variant die combinations. Pa-Ph 710-712 places Reed among mid-range entries. Multiple metals allowed broad white metal and reserved brass. The copper composition provides a distinctive warm reddish color that develops an attractive brown patina over time. Copper Centennial tokens survive in moderate quantities. Centennial merchant tokens overwhelmingly bear the workmanship of the Lingg firm, whose die-sinking expertise made them the default manufacturer for Philadelphia businesses. As both advertising and souvenir, these tokens gave merchants a marketing vehicle that visitors were motivated to keep rather than discard, ensuring the promotional message endured.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 712A, this copper variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 712A; PCGS #896252