(1883) Copper Token Rulau Pa-Ph 107, German American Bicentennial

Coin Details

Description

Issued by German American Bicentennial during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this copper token (Rulau Pa-Ph 107) advertises an ethnic community commemorative operating from Philadelphia. An 1883 token commemorating the bicentennial of the 1683 Germantown settlement, the first German-speaking community in America. 1683 Germantown settlement was the first German-speaking community. The copper composition provides a distinctive warm reddish color that develops an attractive brown patina over time. Copper Centennial tokens survive in moderate quantities. Struck from dies by the Lingg firm, whose central Philadelphia location gave them direct access to the merchants seeking Centennial advertising pieces. Merchants who issued Centennial tokens gained a portable advertising medium that visitors would carry home to cities across the nation, extending the token's promotional reach far beyond Philadelphia.

Rarity Notes

Rulau Pa-Ph 107 in copper is a collectible Centennial merchant token. An 1883 token commemorating the bicentennial of the 1683 Germantown settlement, the first German-speaking community in America. Most examples survive in VF to EF condition.

Cross References

Rulau Pa-Ph; PCGS #882285