(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 226, Mule w/ Pa-Ph 229 Obv

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120 MS65 09-21-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

A white metal mule token (Pa-Ph 226), this piece was created by pairing the Exposition building reverse die showing Memorial Hall, the permanent art gallery structure and the Centennial commemorative die with Liberty Bell design, the central symbol of the Exposition. Lingg & Bro., the Centennial's principal token manufacturer, created these mule combinations by intentionally pairing dies from different token series. Die mules survive in smaller quantities than standard merchant issues, as they were produced deliberately for the collector market rather than for mass distribution. Struck in the tin-lead alloy that constitutes the largest share of surviving Centennial merchant tokens. The minimal cost per white metal token enabled a distribution model closer to modern business cards than to commemorative medals. Memorial Hall, the Exposition's permanent art gallery, was the only major building designed to survive the fair and remains standing in Fairmount Park as a lasting architectural legacy of the Centennial.

Rarity Notes

This mule variety (Pa-Ph 226) in white metal is uncommon. Die mules represent a specialized collecting area within the broader Centennial token series.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 226; PCGS #694529