(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 220, Lingg & Bro. Mule w/ Pa-Ph 258 Obv.

Coin Details

Description

This white metal die mule (Pa-Ph 220) combines two unrelated Centennial token dies: the Lingg & Bro. advertising obverse die featuring their business address at 36 North 8th Street, Philadelphia paired with the Lingg & Co. die variant with alternate layout and text arrangement. Lingg & Bro., the Centennial's principal token manufacturer, created these mule combinations by intentionally pairing dies from different token series. Mule combinations were produced in limited quantities, making them sought after by advanced Centennial token collectors. Within the hierarchy of Centennial tokens, white metal occupied the entry level — affordable enough for merchants to distribute freely while still offering collectors a tangible souvenir. Centennial merchant tokens function as miniature time capsules, recording the names, products, and advertising claims of Philadelphia businesses that left few other traces in the historical record.

Rarity Notes

As a die mule, Pa-Ph 220 in white metal is inherently scarcer than standard single-issuer tokens. These cross-die combinations were created as collector novelties by Lingg & Bro.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 220; PCGS #917483