(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 785, John E. Vallee

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa-Ph 785) was issued by John E. Vallee, a confectioner and baker of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia confectioner who issued seven Centennial token varieties, placing him among the most prolific individual issuers. Seven-variety series places Vallee among the top tier of Centennial token issuers. Multiple die combinations reflect the flexibility of Lingg production system. White metal, the composition in which the greatest number of Centennial tokens were produced and survive today. The minimal cost per white metal token enabled a distribution model closer to modern business cards than to commemorative medals. Dies were cut at the Lingg brothers' Philadelphia workshop, where the firm had developed efficient production methods for the high volume of merchant token orders. Local merchants viewed the Centennial as an unprecedented opportunity to advertise to visitors from every state and dozens of foreign countries, many of whom were visiting Philadelphia for the first time.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 785 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 785; PCGS #600222