(1876) Medal Holland-96 Bronze 76mm Centennial Commission

Coin Details

Auction Record

$504 MS65 08-31-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze medal at 76mm diameter, cataloged as Holland-96, was the official Centennial Commission medal for the 1876 International Exhibition in Philadelphia. The large 76mm format and bronze composition identify this as a presentation-grade piece rather than a mass-market souvenir, awarded to exhibitors, commission members, or distinguished guests. The Centennial Commission was the official governing body of the exposition, appointed by Congress and the President to organize America's first World's Fair. The Holland-96 designation places this among the most significant medals from the exposition, distinct from the hundreds of commercial souvenir pieces. At three inches across, this medal provided ample canvas for detailed engraving celebrating America's centennial and the international scope of the exhibition, which featured contributions from dozens of nations displayed in over two hundred buildings covering 285 acres in Fairmount Park.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The official Commission medal in 76mm bronze was produced in limited quantities for presentation purposes, unlike the mass-produced souvenir medals.

Cross References

PCGS #672706; Holland-96; 1876 Centennial Commission; 76mm Bronze