(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 950, Hart's

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Centennial token (Pa-Ph 950) was issued by Hart's, a general merchant of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia establishment with two varieties in Pa-Ph 950-953. Two varieties (Pa-Ph 950-953) represent compact advertising. The white metal composition positioned these tokens as everyday souvenirs rather than premium collectibles, ensuring broad distribution across the Centennial's massive visitor base. Produced by Lingg & Bro., whose Philadelphia workshop turned out Centennial merchant tokens at an industrious pace throughout 1876. The six months of the Centennial brought close to ten million visitors through the Fairmount Park gates, each a potential customer for the merchants and vendors surrounding the Exposition grounds. Merchants who issued Centennial tokens gained a portable advertising medium that visitors would carry home to cities across the nation, extending the token's promotional reach far beyond Philadelphia.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 950 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 950; PCGS #600227