(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 750, H.W. Hoops

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (NY-NY 750) was commissioned by H.W. Hoops, advertising token distributor of New York City. H.W. Hoops distributed five advertising token varieties during the Centennial year, including an unlisted Rulau variant of special collector interest. The unlisted variant suggests production records may not capture every combination. Hoops series includes a Rulau-unlisted white metal variant of special interest. White metal pieces sat at the base of the Centennial souvenir pyramid, above only paper ephemera in affordability and below copper, brass, and the rare silver strikings in collector value. Struck from dies by the Lingg firm, whose central Philadelphia location gave them direct access to the merchants seeking Centennial advertising pieces. The Lingg establishment combined die-sinking craft with efficient production methods, enabling merchants to receive customized tokens in quantities ranging from hundreds to thousands of pieces.

Rarity Notes

NY-NY 750 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 750; PCGS #525327