(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 226, Mule w/ Pa-Ph 230 Obv

Coin Details

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 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. Die mules survive in smaller quantities than standard merchant issues, as they were produced deliberately for the collector market rather than for mass distribution. White metal, the composition in which the greatest number of Centennial tokens were produced and survive today. The minimal cost per white metal token enabled a distribution model closer to modern business cards than to commemorative medals. These tokens serve as a commercial directory of 1876 Philadelphia, preserving in metal the names, trades, and locations of businesses that have long since disappeared from the city's streets.

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 #694533