(1876) Copper Token Pa-Ph 717A, J. Reed

Coin Details

Description

J. Reed issued this copper souvenir token (Pa-Ph 717A) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. 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. 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. Memorial Hall, the Exposition's permanent art gallery, was the only major building designed to survive the fair and remains standing in Fairmount Park as a lasting architectural legacy of the Centennial.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 717A, this copper variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 717A; PCGS #876373