(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 923, Shagmar S. Hand

Coin Details

Description

Issued by Shagmar S. Hand during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (Pa-Ph 923) advertises a general merchant operating from Philadelphia. Variant spelling of Shamgar S. Hand, generally considered a die-engraving error transposing letters. Shagmar spelling generally considered die-engraving error. The tin-lead alloy's affordability allowed even small merchants to commission token runs large enough for meaningful distribution during the Exposition's six-month run. Manufactured by Lingg & Bro. of Philadelphia, the leading token manufacturer serving merchants during the Centennial year. Businesses along the routes between downtown Philadelphia and Fairmount Park saw extraordinary traffic during the Centennial months, as millions of visitors passed through on their way to the Exposition.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 923, 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 923; PCGS #903153