(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 735A, Great Union Pacific Tea Co.

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (NY-NY 735A) 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. Merchants on tighter budgets gravitated to white metal for its combination of acceptable appearance and significantly lower per-unit cost compared to copper or brass alternatives. Manufactured by Lingg & Bro. of Philadelphia, the firm that produced more Centennial merchant advertising tokens than all other manufacturers combined. These tokens functioned simultaneously as merchant advertising and personal keepsakes, allowing Exposition visitors to carry home a tangible reminder of both their visit and the issuing business.

Rarity Notes

NY-NY 735A 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 735A; PCGS #917496