(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 234, Lingg & Bro.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$216 MS65 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Lingg & Bro. produced this white metal self-promotional token (Pa-Ph 234) 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. Unlike the merchant commissions that comprise most of their output, this token promotes the Lingg firm itself. White metal's low material cost made it the practical choice for merchants wanting to distribute tokens broadly among the Centennial's enormous visitor base. Over 40 distinct Lingg dies make this the most prolific single-manufacturer Centennial token series. The Lingg firm's comprehensive service included die cutting, metal selection, and striking, allowing merchants to order complete runs of customized tokens in their preferred compositions.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 234 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 234; PCGS #525238