(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 720, N.H. Rice

Coin Details

Description

N.H. Rice issued this white metal souvenir token (Pa-Ph 720) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. A Philadelphia merchant who issued five Centennial token varieties spanning Pa-Ph 720-723 and Pa-Ph 930, with dual catalog placement reflecting separate reference sections. Five varieties made Rice prolific among individuals. Dual catalog placement reflects separate sections. Within the hierarchy of Centennial tokens, white metal occupied the entry level — affordable enough for merchants to distribute freely while still offering collectors a tangible souvenir. Created by Lingg & Bro., the firm that emerged as the indispensable manufacturer for Philadelphia merchants wanting token-based advertising during the Centennial. The standard reference for Centennial tokens uses the Rulau catalog, where tokens from different cities receive distinct prefixes (Pa-Ph, NY-NY, etc.) and each die/metal combination gets its own entry.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 720 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 720; PCGS #887427