(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 770, William R. Jenkins
Strike Type
Coin Details
Description
Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (NY-NY 770) was commissioned by William R. Jenkins, bookseller and publisher of New York City. William R. Jenkins, a NYC bookseller specializing in French-language publications, with two advertising token varieties. Two metals allowed common and premium versions. Struck in the tin-lead alloy that constitutes the largest share of surviving Centennial merchant tokens. White metal's affordability removed the cost barrier to generous distribution, and merchants gave tokens to any visitor who entered their establishment. Lingg & Bro. produced these dies from their Philadelphia shop, where they maintained an inventory of standard reverses that could be paired with custom merchant obverses. Centennial merchant tokens combined advertising with souvenir appeal, creating pocket-sized promotions that visitors retained as mementos long after the Exposition closed.
Rarity Notes
NY-NY 770 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. William R. Jenkins, a NYC bookseller specializing in French-language publications, with two advertising token varieties. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.
Cross References
NY-NY 770; PCGS #525330
External References
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