(1876) White Metal Token Rulau Ny-Ny 731, Great Union Pacific Tea Co.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$100 MS61 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Great Union Pacific Tea Co. issued this white metal souvenir token (Rulau Ny-Ny 731) as advertising during the 1876 Centennial. One of the largest tea distributors in the 1870s United States, using Centennial tokens as advertising premiums. Multiple varieties suggest tiered distribution with premium brass and common white metal. At 25 Fulton Street near the Fulton Fish Market the company operated from one of New York busiest corridors. White metal pieces sat at the base of the Centennial souvenir pyramid, above only paper ephemera in affordability and below copper, brass, and the rare silver strikings in collector value. Produced by Lingg & Bro., whose Philadelphia workshop turned out Centennial merchant tokens at an industrious pace throughout 1876. At 285 acres, the Centennial was the largest organized event in American history to that date, with exhibition halls housing everything from massive steam engines to delicate Japanese ceramics.

Rarity Notes

Rulau Ny-Ny 731 in white metal is a collectible Centennial merchant token. One of the largest tea distributors in the 1870s United States, using Centennial tokens as advertising premiums. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Rulau Ny-Ny; PCGS #669781