(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 890, Thomas DePuy

Coin Details

Description

Thomas DePuy issued this white metal souvenir token (Pa-Ph 890) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. A Philadelphia merchant who commissioned seven varieties across copper, brass, and white metal. Multiple die varieties suggest DePuy operated a concession for heavy foot traffic. Seven varieties demonstrate production flexibility. The white metal composition places this piece among the most accessible category of Centennial tokens for modern collectors. Production economics favored white metal for promotional distribution, as merchants could order thousands of pieces without straining their advertising budgets. 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. America's first official World's Fair opened in Philadelphia on May 10, 1876, marking the hundredth anniversary of national independence with a showcase of industrial and cultural progress.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 890, 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 890; PCGS #525278