(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 761, John Stilz & Son

Coin Details

Description

Issued by John Stilz & Son during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (Pa-Ph 761) advertises a clothier operating from Philadelphia, SE corner 7th & Market Street. A high-end men's clothing store at the southeast corner of 7th Street and Market Street, a prime Philadelphia retail location. White metal and brass varieties survive, with brass examples being notably scarcer. The token obverse reads 'FINEST CLOTHING HOUSE S.E. COR. 7 AND MARKET PHILADA' — a premium advertising claim. White metal's low material cost made it the practical choice for merchants wanting to distribute tokens broadly among the Centennial's enormous visitor base. Lingg & Bro. dominated Centennial token production from their central Philadelphia location, producing merchant advertising dies at an output unmatched by any competitor.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 761, 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 761; PCGS #669769