(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 869, Cassidy's

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 869) was commissioned by Cassidy's, restaurant or tavern of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia dining establishment with four varieties in Pa-Ph 860-869. Possessive suggests a neighborhood institution. Daily visitor traffic boosted local establishments. 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. Lingg & Bro. produced these dies from their Philadelphia shop, where they maintained an inventory of standard reverses that could be paired with custom merchant obverses. Centennial merchant tokens function as miniature time capsules, recording the names, products, and advertising claims of Philadelphia businesses that left few other traces in the historical record.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 869 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 869; PCGS #600230