(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 883, I.L. Cragin & Co.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$100 MS61 09-21-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

I.L. Cragin & Co. issued this white metal souvenir token (Pa-Ph 883) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. Philadelphia merchants with three varieties spanning Pa-Ph 880-888, a wide catalog range suggesting multiple production batches. White metal most commonly encountered. 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. supplied the majority of Centennial advertising tokens from their centrally located Philadelphia shop. 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. Memorial Hall, the Exposition's permanent art gallery, was the only major building designed to survive the fair and remains standing in Fairmount Park as a lasting architectural legacy of the Centennial.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 883 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Philadelphia merchants with three varieties spanning Pa-Ph 880-888, a wide catalog range suggesting multiple production batches. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 883; PCGS #525276