1876 GW-940 Brass Pierced Memorial Hall 2 Stars Medal

Coin Details

Description

The 1876 GW-940 medal in brass with pierced design depicts Memorial Hall with two stars. Memorial Hall was one of the major exhibition buildings at the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia — the first official World's Fair held in the United States. The pierced format indicates this medal was designed with decorative openwork, intended for use as a badge or ornament. Memorial Hall housed the art gallery at the Centennial Exhibition and was one of the few permanent buildings constructed for the fair, surviving long after the exposition closed. Its imposing Beaux-Arts architecture made it one of the most recognizable structures of the Centennial celebration. Brass pierced medals were typically inexpensive souvenir items sold at the fairgrounds. The two-star design element indicates a specific grade of souvenir or a decorative motif. GW-940 documents the material culture of the 1876 Centennial Exhibition.

Rarity Notes

Brass, pierced. Centennial Exhibition souvenir. Pierced medals are fragile and surviving examples in good condition are valued.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-940; PCGS #939642; Memorial Hall, Centennial Exhibition