(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 497, F.G. Williams & Co.

Coin Details

Description

Issued by F.G. Williams & Co. during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (Pa-Ph 497) advertises a general merchant operating from Philadelphia. Philadelphia merchants with three varieties in Pa-Ph 496-497. Pa-Ph 496-497 represents compact advertising. 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. operated the largest Centennial token production facility in Philadelphia, serving merchants across the city. 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

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 497, this white metal variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 497; PCGS #694318