(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 870, Wm. Covert

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 870) was commissioned by Wm. Covert, general merchant of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia merchant with two Centennial token varieties. Two metals for economical and premium versions. The white metal composition made this the most economical version of this merchant's Centennial token. White metal tokens survive in the largest numbers because they were produced and distributed in enormous quantities. Lingg & Bro. operated the largest Centennial token production facility in Philadelphia, serving merchants across the city. Collectors organize Centennial tokens by the Rulau catalog system, where each state prefix (Pa-Ph for Philadelphia, NY-NY for New York) is followed by a sequential number identifying the specific merchant or issuer. The Centennial drew nearly ten million visitors to Philadelphia between May and November 1876, a figure that transformed the city's economy and created a booming market for portable souvenirs.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 870 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 870; PCGS #600223