(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 781, Geo. E. Phelan

Coin Details

Auction Record

$216 MS64 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (NY-NY 781) was commissioned by Geo. E. Phelan, 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. The tin-lead white metal composition was selected for its economy of production, enabling merchants to afford the large quantities necessary for effective distribution at the crowded Exposition. Lingg & Bro. dominated Centennial token production from their central Philadelphia location, producing merchant advertising dies at an output unmatched by any competitor. Businesses along the routes between downtown Philadelphia and Fairmount Park saw extraordinary traffic during the Centennial months, as millions of visitors passed through on their way to the Exposition.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as NY-NY 781, 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 781; PCGS #907020