(1876) Copper Token Pa-Ph 741A, C.B. Scott & Co.

Coin Details

Description

Issued by C.B. Scott & Co. during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this copper token (Pa-Ph 741A) advertises a general merchant operating from Philadelphia. Philadelphia merchants, distinct from J.W. Scott & Co. of New York. Missing space creates collectible typographic error. The copper composition provides a distinctive warm reddish color that develops an attractive brown patina over time. Copper Centennial tokens survive in moderate quantities. 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. America's first official World's Fair opened in Philadelphia on May 10, 1876, marking the hundredth anniversary of national independence with a showcase of industrial and cultural progress. Philadelphia merchants capitalized on the Centennial crowds by commissioning advertising tokens, recognizing that the influx of out-of-town visitors represented a once-in-a-generation marketing opportunity.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 741A in copper is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Philadelphia merchants, distinct from J.W. Scott & Co. of New York. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 741A; PCGS #908436