(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 856, Wm. Burwell & Co.

Coin Details

Description

Wm. Burwell & Co. issued this white metal souvenir token (Pa-Ph 856) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. Corporate form of the Burwell firm, with '& Co.' suggesting more formal structure than the family '& Bro.' form. & Co. suggests more formal structure than family & Bro. form. Struck in the tin-lead alloy that constitutes the largest share of surviving Centennial merchant tokens. The minimal cost per white metal token enabled a distribution model closer to modern business cards than to commemorative medals. The Lingg firm's North 8th Street workshop handled orders from dozens of Philadelphia merchants, cutting individual obverse dies while reusing standard reverse designs. Token varieties ranged from inexpensive white metal pieces distributed freely to visitors, through mid-range copper and brass issues, to rare silver presentation pieces for collectors.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 856 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Corporate form of the Burwell firm, with '& Co.' suggesting more formal structure than the family '& Bro.' form. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 856; PCGS #908434