(1876) White Metal Token Rulau Va-Pe 1, S.H. Marks & Co.

Coin Details

Auction Record

$78 MS63 05-26-2024 eBay

Description

This white metal token (Rulau Va-Pe 1) 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. Within the hierarchy of Centennial tokens, white metal occupied the entry level — affordable enough for merchants to distribute freely while still offering collectors a tangible souvenir. Manufactured by the Lingg firm, the dominant producer of merchant tokens during the 1876 Centennial season. Philadelphia merchants capitalized on the Centennial crowds by commissioning advertising tokens, recognizing that the influx of out-of-town visitors represented a once-in-a-generation marketing opportunity. 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 Va-Pe 1 in white metal is a collectible Centennial token. Availability depends on the specific die combination and metal composition.

Cross References

Rulau Va-Pe; PCGS #694326