(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 876, Wm. Covert

Coin Details

Auction Record

$144 MS64 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 876) 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. ran the primary token manufacturing operation for Philadelphia's Centennial merchant community. As both advertising and souvenir, these tokens gave merchants a marketing vehicle that visitors were motivated to keep rather than discard, ensuring the promotional message endured. As historical artifacts, these tokens record the business names, locations, and trades of Philadelphia merchants during the Centennial year — information often absent from other surviving records.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 876, this white metal variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 876; PCGS #903145