(1876) White Metal Token NY-NY 815, Geo. P. Rowell & Co.

Coin Details

Description

Geo. P. Rowell & Co. issued this white metal souvenir token (NY-NY 815) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. 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. NY-NY 810 documents Rowell at the Centennial. American Newspaper Directory revolutionized advertising with verified circulation. 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. The die work originated from the Lingg establishment in central Philadelphia, which operated at peak capacity throughout the Centennial year to meet merchant demand. Memorial Hall, the Exposition's permanent art gallery, was the only major building designed to survive the fair and remains standing in Fairmount Park as a lasting architectural legacy of the Centennial.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as NY-NY 815, 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 815; PCGS #876131