(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 220, Lingg & Bro.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$80 MS63 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Struck in white metal, this token (Pa-Ph 220) was issued by Lingg & Bro. to advertise their own die sinking and token manufacturing services during the 1876 Centennial. Based at 36 North 8th Street in Philadelphia, the Lingg brothers were the principal suppliers of souvenir advertising tokens to merchants exhibiting at the Centennial Exposition. This piece is one of their own advertising series (Pa-Ph 220-245), distinct from the merchant tokens they produced on commission. 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. Beyond Centennial tokens, Lingg manufactured commercial checks and trade tokens. Under the Rulau numbering system, Centennial tokens are organized by state and city prefix, allowing collectors to systematically catalog the hundreds of known merchant issues and their metal variants.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 220, this white metal Lingg self-promotional token is moderately available. The Lingg advertising series has a dedicated following among Centennial token specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 220; PCGS #525392