(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 225, Mule w/ Pa-Ph 230 Obv

Coin Details

Description

This mule variety (Pa-Ph 225) in white metal results from the deliberate combination of the Exposition building obverse die depicting the Main Exhibition Building at the Centennial grounds in Fairmount Park with the Centennial commemorative die featuring George Washington portrait bust. Lingg & Bro., the Centennial's principal token manufacturer, created these mule combinations by intentionally pairing dies from different token series. As an intentional cross-die pairing, this mule is inherently scarcer than the standard merchant tokens that used each die individually. The white metal composition made this the most economical version of this merchant's Centennial token. White metal tokens survive in the largest numbers because they were produced and distributed in enormous quantities. These tokens functioned simultaneously as merchant advertising and personal keepsakes, allowing Exposition visitors to carry home a tangible reminder of both their visit and the issuing business.

Rarity Notes

This mule variety (Pa-Ph 225) in white metal is uncommon. Die mules represent a specialized collecting area within the broader Centennial token series.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 225; PCGS #694512