(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 973, Kelly's

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 973) was commissioned by Kelly's, restaurant and provisions dealer of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia restaurant or provisions establishment near the Exposition grounds that issued six token varieties. Philadelphia taverns experienced unprecedented business. White metal served dual purposes: advertising and keepsakes. Merchants on tighter budgets gravitated to white metal for its combination of acceptable appearance and significantly lower per-unit cost compared to copper or brass alternatives. Manufactured by Lingg & Bro. of Philadelphia, the primary source for custom merchant tokens during the 1876 Centennial celebrations. Spread across 285 acres of Fairmount Park, the Centennial featured 37 participating nations and tens of thousands of exhibits ranging from fine art to industrial machinery to agricultural innovations.

Rarity Notes

Cataloged as Pa-Ph 973, 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 973; PCGS #669780