(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 214, Fredrick Knoppel

Coin Details

Description

This white metal token (Pa-Ph 214) was issued as a souvenir of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition. Issued by Fredrick Knoppel, this piece circulated among the nearly ten million visitors who attended the Exposition at Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10, 1876. Merchants on tighter budgets gravitated to white metal for its combination of acceptable appearance and significantly lower per-unit cost compared to copper or brass alternatives. Manufactured by Lingg & Bro. of Philadelphia, whose workshop became synonymous with Centennial merchant token production during 1876. The Lingg firm's comprehensive service included die cutting, metal selection, and striking, allowing merchants to order complete runs of customized tokens in their preferred compositions. The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 marked the first time the United States hosted an official World's Fair, using the occasion to display a century of national achievement.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 214 in white metal is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 214; PCGS #600234