(1876) Copper Token Pa-Ph 760A, John Stilz & Son

Coin Details

Description

John Stilz & Son issued this copper souvenir token (Pa-Ph 760A) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. A high-end men's clothing store at the southeast corner of 7th Street and Market Street, a prime Philadelphia retail location. Pa-Ph 760 features the Libertas Americana obverse, one of the most popular Centennial token designs crafted by John Adams Bolen. The Libertas Americana die was paired with twelve different merchant reverses, creating one of the most collected Centennial sub-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. The Lingg firm's North 8th Street workshop handled orders from dozens of Philadelphia merchants, cutting individual obverse dies while reusing standard reverse designs. Token varieties ranged from inexpensive white metal pieces distributed freely to visitors, through mid-range copper and brass issues, to rare silver presentation pieces for collectors.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 760A in copper is a collectible Centennial merchant token. A high-end men's clothing store at the southeast corner of 7th Street and Market Street, a prime Philadelphia retail location. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 760A; PCGS #533300