(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 704F, Dean Cakes

Coin Details

Description

Issued by Dean Cakes during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (NY-NY 704F) advertises a confectionery and bakery operating from New York City. Dean's Cakes was a popular NYC confectionery that issued six Centennial token varieties. Six-variety series suggests significant marketing opportunity. New York confectioners competed fiercely for ten million potential customers. 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. Lingg & Bro. dominated Centennial token production from their central Philadelphia location, producing merchant advertising dies at an output unmatched by any competitor. Businesses along the routes between downtown Philadelphia and Fairmount Park saw extraordinary traffic during the Centennial months, as millions of visitors passed through on their way to the Exposition.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as NY-NY 704F, this white metal variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

NY-NY 704F; PCGS #907015