(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 256, Lingg & Co

Coin Details

Auction Record

$60 AU58 03-10-2024 eBay

Description

Struck in white metal, this token (Pa-Ph 256) was issued by Lingg & Bro. to advertise their own die sinking and token manufacturing services during the 1876 Centennial. Based at 36 North 8th Street in Philadelphia, the Lingg brothers were the principal suppliers of souvenir advertising tokens to merchants exhibiting at the Centennial Exposition. This piece is one of their own advertising series (Pa-Ph 220-245), distinct from the merchant tokens they produced on commission. The tin-lead alloy's affordability allowed even small merchants to commission token runs large enough for meaningful distribution during the Exposition's six-month run. 304 Market Street placed them in the heart of Philadelphia commercial district. Philadelphia's 1876 Centennial was the nation's inaugural World's Fair, conceived as both a patriotic celebration of independence and a demonstration of American industrial capability.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 256, this white metal Lingg self-promotional token is moderately available. The Lingg advertising series has a dedicated following among Centennial token specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 256; PCGS #668059