Had a very successful day at the Annandale, VA coin show yesterday. First show in a long time and found something I wasn’t really looking for but fell in love with. It’s the silver Centennial medal in the original “book” holder and the slipcase. Here’s a great write up by Kittle Coins who sold a similar piece that gives general info and sprinkles in specifics about his piece but obviously not my new coin. 1876 was the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America. A great Centennial Exposition to celebrate the occasion was held in Philadelphia that year. The official medals of the Centennial Exposition were designed by William Barber and struck at the US Mint Exhibit on the fairgrounds in various metallic compositions. The version of the official medal offered here was struck in silver and was originally sold for $3.00 at the fair in 1876. The Hibler-Kappen book on So-Called Dollars reports that 10,133 of the 1876 Centennial Exposition Official Medals were made in silver. This example of the 1876 U.S. Centennial Exposition Official Silver Medal is listed as HK-20 in the Hibler-Kappen book on So-Called Dollars. The medal is uncertified and has amazing overall eye appeal. I have not sent the piece in for grading as I purchased it in the original case that is included and believe that many collectors would like to display it that way as well. Also, I do not believe the major grading services would give the piece a numerical grade as there is a touch of moderately strong hairlines evident of cleaning just to the left of Liberty which would likely prevent grading. There are also light hairlines over most of the rest of the prooflike fields only noticeable when tilted at specific angles that are much less problematic and comparatively minor. Otherwise, the piece appears to be a relatively high-grade example with no noticeable hits, marks or other issues. The color is mostly a moderately toned medium dark color, but when tilted into the light just right, the piece comes to life with amazing rainbow color and amazing overall eye appeal. I have included alternate photos of the medal to show both looks of the piece. The original presentation case for the medal is inscribed in gilt letters referencing the 1874 Congressional Act which designated the piece as the official medal of the Centennial Exposition. The case is in very nice condition for its age and shows only minimal wear to the corners and a touch of wear to the gilt lettering on the inside cover. Please note that the medal has been removed from the original case and placed into an archival plastic flip to protect both the medal and case from potential damage. A very pleasing and amazingly eye appealing example of the silver Centennial Exposition medal with the original presentation box.
I have two of these pieces. This one ended up in an NGC holder before I bought it. Then I ended up with a second one when I bought this set.
WOW! I love that coin and it makes it even better (for me) that you have all the original packaging! Thanks for sharing that!
One of the most beautiful coins I've ever seen. had that been a circulation coin it would have been a real game changer! compared to the trade dollar of the time that paled in comparison to its pattern counterparts. Now I want one
