(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 279, D.M. Murphy

Coin Details

Auction Record

$40 AU58 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa-Ph 279) was issued by D.M. Murphy, a general merchant of Philadelphia. An Irish-American Philadelphia merchant with three Centennial token varieties. Irish-American merchants significant among Centennial issuers. 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. Lingg & Bro. produced tokens for more Centennial merchants than any other die-sinking firm in the region. Token varieties ranged from inexpensive white metal pieces distributed freely to visitors, through mid-range copper and brass issues, to rare silver presentation pieces for collectors. Memorial Hall, the Exposition's permanent art gallery, was the only major building designed to survive the fair and remains standing in Fairmount Park as a lasting architectural legacy of the Centennial.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 279 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 279; PCGS #908426