(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 258, Mule w/ Pa-Ph 231 Obv

Coin Details

Auction Record

$100 MS65 09-21-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

Struck in white metal, this die mule (Pa-Ph 258) pairs the Lingg & Co. die variant with alternate layout and text arrangement with the Centennial commemorative die with Independence Hall facade. Produced at the Lingg & Bro. shop at 36 North 8th Street in Philadelphia, mule tokens were created as special collector pieces by combining dies from unrelated token series. As an intentional cross-die pairing, this mule is inherently scarcer than the standard merchant tokens that used each die individually. The white metal composition made this the most economical version of this merchant's Centennial token. White metal tokens survive in the largest numbers because they were produced and distributed in enormous quantities. 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

As a die mule, Pa-Ph 258 in white metal is inherently scarcer than standard single-issuer tokens. These cross-die combinations were created as collector novelties by Lingg & Bro.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 258; PCGS #694525