(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 222, Lingg & Bro.

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal, this token (Pa-Ph 222) was issued by Lingg & Bro. to advertise their own die sinking and token manufacturing services during the 1876 Centennial. Operating from their Philadelphia shop at 36 North 8th Street, the firm produced the largest body of Centennial merchant advertising tokens, cutting dies for nearly every participating merchant. Unlike the merchant commissions that comprise most of their output, this token promotes the Lingg firm itself. White metal production costs were a fraction of those for copper or brass, allowing merchants to spread their advertising budgets across greater quantities of tokens. 304 Market Street placed them in the heart of Philadelphia commercial district. 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

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 222, 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 222; PCGS #616550