(1876) White Metal Medal Julian CM-11d, Philadelphia Centennial Exposition

Coin Details

Auction Record

$552 MS64 11-21-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

White metal commemorative medal struck for the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine, known as the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (1876), which celebrated the centennial of American independence and was the first official World's Fair held in the United States. The Exposition opened May 10, 1876 in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, and attracted nearly ten million visitors over its six-month run. Catalogued by Julian as CM-11d, this variety is cross-referenced as HK-22a in the Hibler and Kappen So-Called Dollar catalog, reflecting its dollar-sized format and commemorative character. William Barber, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1869 to 1879, designed the primary Centennial medals featuring Liberty and allegorical motifs evoking America's first century of independence. Only approximately three examples of this specific variety are known, placing it among the rarest pieces in the Centennial medal family. Diameter approximately 58mm.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare — only approximately three examples known. The Julian CM-11d / HK-22a is one of the rarest varieties among Philadelphia Centennial Exposition medals. The combination of its so-called dollar classification, extreme rarity within the broader Centennial medal series, and its 1876 historical significance makes this a key rarity for specialist collectors of exposition numismatica and so-called dollars alike.

Cross References

Julian CM-11d; HK-22a