(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 230, Lingg & Bro.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$144 MS62 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Lingg & Bro. produced this white metal self-promotional token (Pa-Ph 230) to showcase their token manufacturing capabilities at the 1876 Centennial Exposition. 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. The Lingg self-advertising series spans Pa-Ph 220-245 and represents the firm's own promotional efforts alongside their commercial work. Merchants on tighter budgets gravitated to white metal for its combination of acceptable appearance and significantly lower per-unit cost compared to copper or brass alternatives. 304 Market Street placed them in the heart of Philadelphia commercial district. Between its May opening and November closing, the Centennial attracted nearly ten million visitors — more than the entire population of New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia combined.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 230 in white metal belongs to the Lingg & Bro. self-advertising series. Availability varies by metal, with base metals being more common than gilt or silvered examples.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 230; PCGS #669762