(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 795, John E. Vallee

Coin Details

Description

John E. Vallee issued this white metal souvenir token (Pa-Ph 795) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. A Philadelphia confectioner who issued seven Centennial token varieties, placing him among the most prolific individual issuers. Pa-Ph 785-797 indicates tokens cataloged among the later Philadelphia merchant issues. Seven-variety series places Vallee among the top tier of Centennial token issuers. White metal, the composition in which the greatest number of Centennial tokens were produced and survive today. Merchants could afford to distribute white metal tokens liberally because the per-piece cost was negligible compared to the potential advertising return. 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. America's first official World's Fair opened in Philadelphia on May 10, 1876, marking the hundredth anniversary of national independence with a showcase of industrial and cultural progress.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 795 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 795; PCGS #525270