U.S. Centennial Exhibition So-Called Dollar HK-21 Bronze Medal

Description

U.S. CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION
1876
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Purpose:
To commemorate 100th anniversary of signing of United States Declaration of Independence.
Organization:
Our first major multiple-building World's Fair; distinguished by direct Federal sponsorship. After spirited rivalry among larger cities, Congressional Acts 1871, 1872 settled issue; also created Centennial Commission on which all states and territories represented, and Board of Finance to work with Exposition Company; latter chartered locally, stock certificates sold to public. City granted ,000,000; state and Congress over ,000,000.
Site:
Portion of Fairmount Park, 236 acres, presented "free of all expense" by city. Of 167 buildings erected, only one was permanent. Built of "granite, glass and iron," Memorial Hall became Philadelphia's Museum of Art.
Dates, Attendance:
May 10-Nov. 10, 1876; officially "opened" by President Grant. Attendance almost 10,000,000; over 8,000,000 paid.
Participants:
All states and territories and 49 foreign countries represented; 26 of former and some of latter erected own buildings. Exhibitors numbered 30,000; many Federal displays
included Mint Exhibit.
Comment:
Our first "international exhibition of the arts, manufactures and products of the earth" proved to American citizens and foreign visitors alike that U.S. had "grown up...able to takes its place among nations of the world in commerce and industry." With 71 acres under roof, architecture was of "gingerbread" type, its influence still felt in older sections of some cities. Multiple-structure approach, as opposed to single large building, followed new European plan. Exposition emphasized machines and mechanical progress; "served as inspiration for decades" for industrial expansion. Alexander Graham Bell exhibited his telephone for first time. Aesthetically, America was electrified by display of work of world's artists. Previously, material problems concerned our young nation; art playing no significant part in American life. With this awakening, numerous art schools and societies sprang into being; there was rush of American students to Paris. Total impact on our cultural life was remarkable and permanent.
Medals:
Official Medals sponsored and issued in two sizes by Centennial Board of Finance; authorized by 43rd Congress. Large size precluded from listing here. Of issues below, Silver was struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds, sold for ; Bronze and Gilt pieces struck at Philadelphia Mint, sold for 50 cents each. Dies were destroyed when exposition closed. See separate listing, Part I, for
Nevada Dollar--1876.
OFFICIAL MEDALS
Engraved by William Barber. One of White Metal specimens was sold by Presidential Coin and Antique Company in 1983 from personal collection of Charles Barber, son of William Barber; other two specimens reported as from same source.
Obv.
Genius of American Independence, rising from recumbent position, grasps in r. hand sword to enforce her demands; raises l. hand in appealing pride to 13 stars blazing in firmament; beneath date
1776
--all within beaded circle; around,
These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, Free and Independent States.
Rev.
Within wreath,
In
/
commemoration
/
of the
/
Hundredth
/
Anniversary
/
of
/
American
/
Independence
; outside, around
By authority of the Congress of the United States
; below
1876
.
HK-20
Silver. 38mm. Julian CM-10. 10,133 struck.
In original presentation case*
HK-21
Bronze. Julian CM-10. Approx. 13,000 struck.
HK-22
Gilt. Julian CM-10. Approx. 10,500 struck.
HK-22a
White Metal. 3 known.
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