(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 895, Thomas DePuy

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa-Ph 895) was issued by Thomas DePuy, a general merchandise dealer of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia merchant who commissioned seven varieties across copper, brass, and white metal. Seven varieties demonstrate production flexibility. The DePuy series spans Rulau Pa-Ph 890-896. White metal, the composition in which the greatest number of Centennial tokens were produced and survive today. Merchants could afford to distribute white metal tokens liberally because the per-piece cost was negligible compared to the potential advertising return. The Lingg firm's North 8th Street workshop handled orders from dozens of Philadelphia merchants, cutting individual obverse dies while reusing standard reverse designs. The Centennial transformed Philadelphia's retail landscape in 1876, bringing foot traffic and revenue to merchants who had never experienced anything approaching the volume of business the Exposition generated.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 895, 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 895; PCGS #913753