(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 488, Whitman & Son

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa-Ph 488) was issued by Whitman & Son, a confectioners and merchants of Philadelphia. Philadelphia merchants associated with confectionery and chocolate, with five varieties spanning Pa-Ph 488-494. White metal tokens most commonly encountered. Pa-Ph 488-494 encompasses brass and white metal. White metal pieces sat at the base of the Centennial souvenir pyramid, above only paper ephemera in affordability and below copper, brass, and the rare silver strikings in collector value. Manufactured by the Lingg firm, the dominant producer of merchant tokens during the 1876 Centennial season. As the first World's Fair on American soil, the 1876 Centennial served the dual purpose of commemorating national independence and establishing the United States as a global industrial power.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 488 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 488; PCGS #525252