(1876) White Metal Token Pa Ph-812, Geo. P. Rowell & Co.

Coin Details

Description

Geo. P. Rowell & Co. issued this white metal souvenir token (Pa Ph-812) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. George P. Rowell operated one of the earliest advertising agencies in the United States, also publishing the American Newspaper Directory that revolutionized advertising with verified circulation figures. NY-NY 810 documents Rowell at the Centennial. American Newspaper Directory revolutionized advertising with verified circulation. The tin-lead white metal composition was selected for its economy of production, enabling merchants to afford the large quantities necessary for effective distribution at the crowded Exposition. The Lingg brothers ran the most productive die-sinking shop in Centennial-era Philadelphia, cutting custom advertising dies for merchants across multiple trades. The Lingg establishment combined die-sinking craft with efficient production methods, enabling merchants to receive customized tokens in quantities ranging from hundreds to thousands of pieces.

Rarity Notes

Pa Ph-812 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

; PCGS #615252