(1876) White Metal Token Rulau MO-Sl 40, Joel Swope's

Coin Details

Description

This white metal token (Rulau MO-Sl 40) 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. This white metal striking represents the most frequently seen composition among Centennial merchant tokens. The low production cost of white metal meant merchants could hand out tokens without concern for unit economics, treating them as disposable advertising. The Lingg firm's North 8th Street workshop handled orders from dozens of Philadelphia merchants, cutting individual obverse dies while reusing standard reverse designs. 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. These tokens serve as a commercial directory of 1876 Philadelphia, preserving in metal the names, trades, and locations of businesses that have long since disappeared from the city's streets.

Rarity Notes

Rulau MO-Sl 40 in white metal is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Rulau MO-Sl; PCGS #669759