(1876) White Metal Token Rulau Md-Ba 205, Patapsco Fruit Butter Co.

Coin Details

Description

This white metal token (Rulau Md-Ba 205) was issued as a souvenir of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition. This piece circulated among the nearly ten million visitors who attended the Exposition at Fairmount Park from May 10 to November 10, 1876. White metal production costs were a fraction of those for copper or brass, allowing merchants to spread their advertising budgets across greater quantities of tokens. Manufactured by Lingg & Bro. of Philadelphia, whose workshop became synonymous with Centennial merchant token production during 1876. The Lingg firm's comprehensive service included die cutting, metal selection, and striking, allowing merchants to order complete runs of customized tokens in their preferred compositions. The 285-acre Exposition in Fairmount Park showcased innovations from 37 nations, including Bell's telephone, the Corliss steam engine, and Remington's typewriter — technologies that would reshape American life.

Rarity Notes

Rulau Md-Ba 205 in white metal is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Rulau Md-Ba; PCGS #669866