(1876) Medal Holland-79 White Metal Centennial Exhibition

Coin Details

Auction Record

$264 MS62 11-21-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This white metal medal cataloged as Holland-79 commemorates the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, the first official World's Fair held in the United States. The Centennial Exhibition celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and showcased American industrial and cultural achievement to the world. Held in Fairmount Park from May to November 1876, the exposition attracted nearly ten million visitors and featured exhibits from thirty-seven nations. White metal medals were among the most affordable souvenirs available to fairgoers, produced in large quantities by private manufacturers to meet public demand. The Holland catalog, compiled by Francis Holland, is the standard reference for Centennial Exhibition medals and tokens. This piece documents one of the defining events of the Gilded Age, when America announced itself as a major industrial power on the world stage.

Rarity Notes

Common. White metal Centennial Exhibition medals were produced in large quantities as souvenirs. Holland-79 is moderately available in numismatic markets.

Cross References

PCGS #685913; Holland-79; 1876 Centennial Exhibition; Philadelphia