(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 271, Malseed & Hawkins

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa-Ph 271) was issued by Malseed & Hawkins, a dry goods merchants of Philadelphia. Philadelphia dry goods merchants connected to the expanded partnership Fries, Malseed & Hawkins. Dual listing suggests partnership change. Five varieties placed them mid-tier among issuers. Struck in white metal, the tin-lead alloy most commonly used for Centennial tokens because its low cost allowed merchants to order large production runs for broad distribution. Centennial merchant tokens overwhelmingly bear the workmanship of the Lingg firm, whose die-sinking expertise made them the default manufacturer for Philadelphia businesses. America's first official World's Fair opened in Philadelphia on May 10, 1876, marking the hundredth anniversary of national independence with a showcase of industrial and cultural progress.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 271 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Philadelphia dry goods merchants connected to the expanded partnership Fries, Malseed & Hawkins. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 271; PCGS #908424