(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 388A, Dr. Stoughton

Coin Details

Auction Record

$165 MS64 04-07-2016 Heritage Auctions

Description

Issued by Dr. Stoughton during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (Pa-Ph 388A) advertises a physician or patent medicine dealer operating from Philadelphia. A vendor of pharmaceutical or medical products, likely operating at the Exposition where patent medicine vendors thrived. Patent medicine vendors thrived where millions encountered urban health products. This white metal piece reflects the standard production choice for Centennial merchant tokens, where the affordable tin-lead alloy enabled wide distribution to Exposition visitors. Centennial merchant tokens overwhelmingly bear the workmanship of the Lingg firm, whose die-sinking expertise made them the default manufacturer for Philadelphia businesses. Merchants patronized the Lingg workshop because the firm handled every aspect of token production, from initial die design to final striking in the customer's choice of metal.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 388A in white metal is encountered with moderate frequency in the Centennial token market. Condition census runs from well-worn to occasional choice examples.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 388A; PCGS #694316