(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 864, Cassidy's

Coin Details

Description

Issued by Cassidy's during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (Pa-Ph 864) advertises a restaurant or tavern operating from Philadelphia. A Philadelphia dining establishment with four varieties in Pa-Ph 860-869. Daily visitor traffic boosted local establishments. White metal issues most common survivors. The white metal composition places this piece among the most accessible category of Centennial tokens for modern collectors. White metal's affordability removed the cost barrier to generous distribution, and merchants gave tokens to any visitor who entered their establishment. 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. The 285-acre Exposition in Fairmount Park showcased innovations from 37 nations, including Bell's telephone, the Corliss steam engine, and Remington's typewriter — technologies that would reshape American life.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 864 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 864; PCGS #876363