(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 937, Harbach's Original Walnut Candy

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120 MS62 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Harbach's Original Walnut Candy issued this white metal souvenir token (Pa-Ph 937) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. Theodore J. Harbach's confectionery, famous for 'Harbach's Original Walnut Candy,' also dealt in magic lanterns and stereopticons. An NGC-graded Prooflike MS-61 specimen is recorded as 'Top Pop' (finest known) for the variety. Combined ten-variety series spanning Pa-Ph 120 and Pa-Ph 930B-937 makes Harbach the largest confectionery token program. White metal's low material cost made it the practical choice for merchants wanting to distribute tokens broadly among the Centennial's enormous visitor base. The Lingg family firm supplied custom dies to Philadelphia merchants seeking affordable, portable advertising during the Centennial year.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 937 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. Theodore J. Harbach's confectionery, famous for 'Harbach's Original Walnut Candy,' also dealt in magic lanterns and stereopticons. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Pa-Ph 937; PCGS #908447