(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 810, Geo. P. Rowell & Co.

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (NY-NY 810) was issued by Geo. P. Rowell & Co., an advertising agency and publisher of New York City. George P. Rowell operated one of the earliest advertising agencies in the United States, also publishing the American Newspaper Directory that revolutionized advertising with verified circulation figures. American Newspaper Directory revolutionized advertising with verified circulation. An advertising agency issuing advertising tokens was ironic. White metal, the composition in which the greatest number of Centennial tokens were produced and survive today. Merchants could afford to distribute white metal tokens liberally because the per-piece cost was negligible compared to the potential advertising return. Dies for this merchant token were produced at the Lingg workshop on North 8th Street, which served as the central production facility for Centennial advertising pieces.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as NY-NY 810, 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 810; PCGS #525361