(1876) White Metal Token Pa-Ph 980, G. Kilbride

Coin Details

Description

Struck in white metal for the 1876 Centennial International Exposition, this token (Pa-Ph 980) was commissioned by G. Kilbride, general merchant of Philadelphia. An Irish-American Philadelphia merchant with three varieties near the end of the Philadelphia white-metal series (Pa-Ph 980-982). Irish-American community well-represented among issuers. This white metal piece reflects the standard production choice for Centennial merchant tokens, where the affordable tin-lead alloy enabled wide distribution to Exposition visitors. Lingg & Bro. dominated Centennial token production from their central Philadelphia location, producing merchant advertising dies at an output unmatched by any competitor. Collectors organize Centennial tokens by the Rulau catalog system, where each state prefix (Pa-Ph for Philadelphia, NY-NY for New York) is followed by a sequential number identifying the specific merchant or issuer.

Rarity Notes

Pa-Ph 980 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 980; PCGS #525287