(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 731A, Great Union Pacific Tea Co.

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (NY-NY 731A) was commissioned by Great Union Pacific Tea Co., tea merchant and grocery chain of New York City, at 77-81 Courtlandt Street. One of the largest tea distributors in the 1870s United States, using Centennial tokens as advertising premiums. Centennial tokens doubled as advertising for their mail-order tea business. Great Union Pacific Tea predated A&P but operated on a similar wholesale-to-retail model. As the most economical composition, white metal tokens were produced in the largest numbers and distributed most broadly, making them the most accessible Centennial souvenirs. Made by the Lingg die-sinking establishment, which had positioned itself as the primary supplier of merchant tokens for the Centennial. 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

NY-NY 731A in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. One of the largest tea distributors in the 1870s United States, using Centennial tokens as advertising premiums. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

NY-NY 731A; PCGS #616549