(1876) White Metal Token Pa Ph-962, Hughes House

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa Ph-962) was commissioned by Hughes House, hotel or boarding house of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia lodging establishment near the Centennial grounds, with four varieties. Philadelphia hotels were chronically overcrowded by the ten million Exposition visitors. Pa-Ph 960-965 represents significant advertising investment. Philadelphia hotel capacity overwhelmed by ten million visitors. The white metal composition made this the most economical version of this merchant's Centennial token. White metal tokens survive in the largest numbers because they were produced and distributed in enormous quantities. Lingg & Bro. operated the largest Centennial token production facility in Philadelphia, serving merchants across the city. 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

Cataloged as Pa Ph-962, this white metal variety has moderate availability among Centennial token collectors. Well-struck examples with full details are preferred by specialists.

Cross References

; PCGS #694322