(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 205A, John W. Kline

Coin Details

Auction Record

$240 AU58 11-21-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Issued by John W. Kline during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (Pa-Ph 205A) advertises a general merchant operating from Philadelphia. A Philadelphia merchant who commissioned three Centennial token varieties from Lingg. Three-variety series in Pa-Ph 206 represents modest advertising. As the most economical composition, white metal tokens were produced in the largest numbers and distributed most broadly, making them the most accessible Centennial souvenirs. Manufactured by the Lingg firm, the dominant producer of merchant tokens during the 1876 Centennial season. The Centennial transformed Philadelphia's retail landscape in 1876, bringing foot traffic and revenue to merchants who had never experienced anything approaching the volume of business the Exposition generated. 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

Pa-Ph 205A in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. A Philadelphia merchant who commissioned three Centennial token varieties from Lingg. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 205A; PCGS #525389