1876 Brass Medal GW-868, In Memory of the Centenary

Coin Details

Auction Record

$37 AU55 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1876 medal GW-868 in brass bears the inscription "In Memory of the Centenary," marking the hundredth anniversary of American independence. The term "Centenary" — an older English form of "Centennial" — appears on some 1876 medals reflecting British English usage or formal literary style. Brass composition and commemorative inscription indicate this was an affordable souvenir produced for the broad public. The 1876 Centennial generated an enormous variety of commemorative medals in every available metal, from precious-metal presentation pieces to inexpensive brass and white metal souvenirs. GW-868 is one of many medals from the Centennial that serve primarily as documents of the celebration itself, their significance lying less in artistic merit than in their testimony to the scale and enthusiasm of the 1876 commemorative effort.

Rarity Notes

Brass. Centennial souvenir. Standard commemorative production.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-868; PCGS #877762; In Memory of the Centenary