(1876) White Metal Token Pa Ph-922K, Shamgar S. Hand

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa Ph-922K) was issued by Shamgar S. Hand, a general merchant of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia merchant with a distinctive biblical name (from Judges 3:31) who issued five Centennial token varieties. Also appears as 'Shagmar' on some dies, a probable engraving error. Biblical name Shamgar from Judges 3:31. Shagmar variant may be die-engraving error. White metal offered the lowest production cost per piece, making it the default choice for merchants who prioritized wide distribution over the visual appeal of costlier metals. Manufactured by Lingg & Bro. of Philadelphia, whose workshop became synonymous with Centennial merchant token production during 1876. 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

Pa Ph-922K in white metal is encountered with moderate frequency in the Centennial token market. Condition census runs from well-worn to occasional choice examples.

Cross References

; PCGS #876365