(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 215, Fred'k Knoppel

Coin Details

Description

This white metal token (Pa-Ph 215) was issued as a souvenir of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition. Issued by Fred'k Knoppel, this piece circulated among the nearly ten million visitors who attended the Exposition at Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10, 1876. 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. Philadelphia die sinkers Lingg & Bro. produced the vast majority of merchant advertising tokens for the 1876 Centennial, serving clients from diverse commercial trades. As both advertising and souvenir, these tokens gave merchants a marketing vehicle that visitors were motivated to keep rather than discard, ensuring the promotional message endured.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 215 in white metal is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 215; PCGS #669761