(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 262F, Lingg & Co.

Coin Details

Description

This white metal token (Pa-Ph 262F) is a self-advertising piece by Lingg & Bro., the premier token manufacturing firm of the 1876 Centennial International Exposition. Charles Lingg and his brother operated from 36 North 8th Street in Philadelphia, where they cut dies for dozens of merchant advertising tokens distributed at the Centennial grounds in Fairmount Park. The Lingg self-advertising series spans Pa-Ph 220-245 and represents the firm's own promotional efforts alongside their commercial work. Struck in the tin-lead alloy that constitutes the largest share of surviving Centennial merchant tokens. White metal's affordability removed the cost barrier to generous distribution, and merchants gave tokens to any visitor who entered their establishment. Lingg produced tokens in white metal, copper, brass, and bronze. The Centennial token series provides an invaluable record of Philadelphia's merchant community in 1876, preserving business names and advertising messages that no other source documents so completely.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 262F in white metal is a self-advertising piece from the Lingg & Bro. series (Pa-Ph 220-245). Collector interest is strong due to the firm's central role in the Centennial token series.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 262F; PCGS #669763