(1876) Bronze Medal GW-916, Independence Hall

Coin Details

Auction Record

$600 MS63BN 11-26-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze medal, cataloged as GW-916, depicts Independence Hall and was produced for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted, served as one of the central venues and most powerful symbols of the Centennial celebration. The medal pairs a Washington portrait on the obverse with a rendering of Independence Hall on the reverse, linking the nation's founding father with the building where the founding documents were created. The 1876 Centennial Exhibition was held in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, from May to November 1876, attracting nearly ten million visitors and generating a vast array of commemorative material. This bronze medal represents one of the more architecturally focused pieces in the Centennial Washington medal series, offering a detailed depiction of Independence Hall's Georgian facade with its distinctive clock tower. Bronze examples were produced in substantial numbers for sale to Exhibition visitors and through mail-order channels, making them among the more accessible Centennial Washington pieces.

Rarity Notes

Moderately available. The GW-916 Independence Hall medal in bronze was produced in reasonable quantities for the 1876 Exhibition. Well-preserved examples with sharp architectural details are preferred.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-916; PCGS #964868