(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 970, Kelly's

Coin Details

Description

Issued by Kelly's during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this white metal token (Pa-Ph 970) advertises a restaurant and provisions dealer operating from Philadelphia. A Philadelphia restaurant or provisions establishment near the Exposition grounds that issued six token varieties. White metal served dual purposes: advertising and keepsakes. Pa-Ph 970-975 places these in the later merchant series. 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. handled the bulk of merchant token production for the 1876 Centennial from their Philadelphia establishment. The merchant tokens from the 1876 Centennial preserve a snapshot of Philadelphia's commercial life, documenting businesses ranging from restaurants and hotels to dry goods stores and hardware dealers.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 970, 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 970; PCGS #525283