(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 720, Frederick's Pharmacy

Coin Details

Description

Issued by Frederick's Pharmacy during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (NY-NY 720) advertises a pharmacy and apothecary operating from Philadelphia. Frederick's Pharmacy issued the most extensive single-merchant Centennial token series, with seven die and metal combinations. Multiple production batches suggest earlier varieties proved effective. Brass tokens for favored customers while white metal for general advertising. Struck in white metal, the tin-lead alloy most commonly used for Centennial tokens because its low cost allowed merchants to order large production runs for broad distribution. Centennial merchant tokens overwhelmingly bear the workmanship of the Lingg firm, whose die-sinking expertise made them the default manufacturer for Philadelphia businesses. Spread across 285 acres of Fairmount Park, the Centennial featured 37 participating nations and tens of thousands of exhibits ranging from fine art to industrial machinery to agricultural innovations.

Rarity Notes

NY-NY 720 in white metal is encountered with moderate frequency in the Centennial token market. Condition census runs from well-worn to occasional choice examples.

Cross References

NY-NY 720; PCGS #525303