(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 780, Geo. E. Phelan

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (NY-NY 780) was issued by Geo. E. Phelan, a billiard table manufacturer of New York City. Associated with the billiard equipment trade from the 1850s, issuing five Centennial token varieties. Brass variants survive in smaller numbers as higher cost limited quantities. Catalog numbers in NY-NY 780 place Phelan among mid-series New York issues. 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. Created by Lingg & Bro., the firm that emerged as the indispensable manufacturer for Philadelphia merchants wanting token-based advertising during 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

Cataloged as NY-NY 780, this white metal variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

NY-NY 780; PCGS #525331