(1876) White Metal Token Pa Ph-901, Fries Malseed & Hawkins

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa Ph-901) was issued by Fries Malseed & Hawkins, a dry goods merchants of Philadelphia. Philadelphia dry goods merchants connected to the expanded partnership Fries, Malseed & Hawkins. Addition of Fries reflects capital infusion. White metal, the composition in which the greatest number of Centennial tokens were produced and survive today. The minimal cost per white metal token enabled a distribution model closer to modern business cards than to commemorative medals. The die work originated from the Lingg establishment in central Philadelphia, which operated at peak capacity throughout the Centennial year to meet merchant demand. 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. The 285-acre Exposition in Fairmount Park showcased innovations from 37 nations, including Bell's telephone, the Corliss steam engine, and Remington's typewriter — technologies that would reshape American life.

Rarity Notes

Pa Ph-901 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Philadelphia dry goods merchants connected to the expanded partnership Fries, Malseed & Hawkins. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

; PCGS #694320