(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 95, J.H. Gercke

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa-Ph 95) was issued by J.H. Gercke, a watchmaker and jeweler of Philadelphia. J. Henry Gercke (1837-1914), a Philadelphia watchmaker and jeweler of German heritage with tokens spanning Pa-Ph 95-100. The holed variant (Pa-Ph 96) was pierced for suspension, likely intended for wear as a watch fob or pendant. Pa-Ph 99B is a variant die pairing in white metal, graded AU-58 by PCGS in auction records. White metal formed the foundation of the Centennial token market, with copper, brass, and bronze pieces commanding progressively higher values both at issuance and in the modern collector market. Produced by Lingg & Bro., whose Philadelphia workshop turned out Centennial merchant tokens at an industrious pace throughout 1876. Philadelphia's population effectively doubled during the Centennial's run, as nearly ten million visitors created a souvenir market that merchant tokens were perfectly positioned to serve.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 95 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

Pa-Ph 95; PCGS #669868