Historical and
Commemorative Medals
Collection of Benjamin Weiss
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CENTENNIAL BARBER, William: USA, 1876, Bronze, 57 mm This medal, which is one of the official medals of the 1876 centennial celebration, was authorized by an Act of Congress in 1874. "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Stated in Congress assembled: That medals with appropriate devices, emblems and inscriptions, commemorative of the Centennial Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, be prepared at the mint at Philadelphia for the Centennial Board of Finance...". These official medals were of four kinds: small gilt (38 mm), large bronze (57 mm), coin silver, and large gilt. Some (such as this example) were enclosed in a case. (Loubat) LINK to text of Declaration of Independence (from Indiana University School of Law) LINK to the American Revolution (from The History Place) |
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