(1876) White Metal Token Mo-Sl 33, Joel Swope's

Coin Details

Description

This white metal token () was issued as a souvenir of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition. This piece circulated among the nearly ten million visitors who attended the Exposition at Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10, 1876. The tin-lead white metal composition was selected for its economy of production, enabling merchants to afford the large quantities necessary for effective distribution at the crowded Exposition. The Lingg family firm supplied custom dies to Philadelphia merchants seeking affordable, portable advertising during the Centennial year. 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. Under the Rulau numbering system, Centennial tokens are organized by state and city prefix, allowing collectors to systematically catalog the hundreds of known merchant issues and their metal variants.

Rarity Notes

in white metal is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

; PCGS #668061