(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 709, Dean Cakes

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (NY-NY 709) was commissioned by Dean Cakes, confectionery and bakery of New York City. Dean's Cakes was a popular NYC confectionery that issued six Centennial token varieties. As a confectionery Dean likely distributed tokens as premiums with candy. Six-variety series suggests significant marketing opportunity. The white metal composition made this the most economical version of this merchant's Centennial token. White metal tokens survive in the largest numbers because they were produced and distributed in enormous quantities. Lingg & Bro. operated the largest Centennial token production facility in Philadelphia, serving merchants across the city. Collectors organize Centennial tokens by the Rulau catalog system, where each state prefix (Pa-Ph for Philadelphia, NY-NY for New York) is followed by a sequential number identifying the specific merchant or issuer.

Rarity Notes

NY-NY 709 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Dean's Cakes was a popular NYC confectionery that issued six Centennial token varieties. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

NY-NY 709; PCGS #525301