(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 276, D.M. Murphy

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 276) was commissioned by D.M. Murphy, general merchant of Philadelphia. An Irish-American Philadelphia merchant with three Centennial token varieties. White metal Murphy tokens most frequently encountered. The white metal composition (a tin-lead alloy) made this token economical to produce in the large quantities needed for distribution to the massive Centennial crowds. Centennial merchant tokens overwhelmingly bear the workmanship of the Lingg firm, whose die-sinking expertise made them the default manufacturer for Philadelphia businesses. The Lingg brothers' workshop served as a full-service token manufacturer, where merchants could select from white metal, copper, brass, or bronze compositions for their customized advertising pieces.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 276 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. An Irish-American Philadelphia merchant with three Centennial token varieties. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 276; PCGS #908425