So-Called Dollars

U.S. Centennial Exposition - 1876 - Philadelphia, PA

Purpose: To commemmorate 100th anniversary of signing of United States Declaration of Independence.

Organization: Our first major multiple-building World’s Fair; distinguished by direct Federal sponsorship. After spirited rivalry among larger cities, Congressional Acts 1871, 1872 settled issue; also created Centennial Commission on which all states and territories represented, and Board of Finance to work with Exposition Company; latter chartered locally, $10 stock certificates sold to public. City granted $1,000,000; state and Congress over $4,000,000.

Site: Portion of Fairmount Park, 236 acres, presented "free of all expense" by city. Of 167 buildings erected, only one was permanent. Built of "granite, glass and iron," Memorial Hall became Philadelphia’s Museum of Art.

Dates, Attendance: May 10—Nov. 10, 1876; officially "opened" by President Grant. Attendance almost 10,000,000; over 8,000,000 paid.

Comment: Our first "international exhibition of the arts, manufactures and products of the earth" proved to American citizens and foreign visitors alike that U. S. had "grown up…able to takes its place among nations of the world in commerce and industry." With 71 acres under roof, architecture was of "gingerbread"-type, its influence still felt in older sections of some cities. Multiple-structure approach, as opposed to single large building, followed new European plan. Exposition emphasized machines and mechanical progress; "served as inspiration for decades" for industrial expansion. Alexander Graham Bell exhibited his telephone for first time. Aesthetically, America was electrified by display of work of world’s artists. Previously, material problems concerned our young nation; art playing no significant part in American life. With this awakening, numerous art schools and societies sprang into being; there was rush of American students to Paris. Total impact on our cultural life was remarkable and permanent.

Medals: Official Medals sponsored and issued in two sizes by Centennial Board of Finance; authorized by 43rd Congress. Large size, struck only in Bronze and Gilt, precluded from listing here; sold for $2 and $5 respectively. Of issues below, Silver was quite limited, struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds, sold for $3; 7000 Bronze and Gilt pieces struck at Philadelphia Mint, sold for $1 each. Dies were destroyed when exposition closed. See separate listing, Part I, for Nevada Dollar—1876.

OFFICIAL MEDALS

Obverse: Genius of American Independence, rising from recumbent position, grasps in r. hand sword to enforce her demands; raises l. hand in appealing pride to 13 stars blazing in firmament; beneath date 1776 — all within beaded circle; around, These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, Free and Independent States.
Reverse: Within wreath, In / commemoration / of the / Hundredth / Anniversary / of / American / Independence; outside, around By authority of the Congress of the United States; below 1876.

HK-20 - Silver*. Size 24
HK-21 - Bronze.
HK-22 - Gilt.
HK-22a - White Metal.
* Original presentation case inscribed in gilt letters Commemorative Medal; quotes 1874 Act of Congress designating piece as Official Medal.

Liberty Bell - Independence Hall Dollars

Struck and issued by Messrs. Deihl, Philadelphia; designed by Key. Some of pieces with small bell struck as early as 1872; with large bell, 1874, in anticipation of centennial celebration. Liberty Bell, made of bronze, weighs 2080 pounds, is 3 feet high, measures 12 feet around lip. John Pass and Charles Stow recast bell in 1753, it having cracked year before; in 1835 it cracked beyond repair. It now hangs in old State House, renamed Independence Hall, where Declaration of Independence was unanimously adopted by Continental Congress, July 4, 1776.

Obverse: Large Liberty Bell bearing lines Lev XXVVX proclaim liber / in Philada by order of the / Pass and Stow, Philada / MDCCLIII; to l. in field 1776; to r. 1876; above Liberty Bell; below Lev. XXV VX.; around Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; 6-pointed star between thereof and proclaim.
Reverse:Edifice; to l., 1776; to r. 1876; below Commenced 1729 / Finished 1734,; microscopic Key. F beneath edifice; above around Independence Hall; no trees in front of hall.

HK-23 - Silver. Size 24
HK-24 - Bronze.
HK-25 - Copper. Die variety has rounded 6 in dates, period after XXV on obverse, and other minor differences.
HK-26 - White Metal.

Obverse: Similar to last, but much smaller bell, which bears no lettering; Leviticus is not abbreviated; The is added before Liberty Bell; star between "Therof" and "Proclaim"; beaded border.
Reverse:Edifice; above, around Indepenence Hall; below, 1776; two trees and statue in grounds before hall; beaded boarder.

HK-27 - Copper. Size 24
HK-27a - Bronze.
HK-28 - Brass.
HK-29 - White Metal.
Note: A very rare variety in Copper and in White Metal has no star between " Thereof" and "Proclaim" on obverse.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

OTHER LIBERTY BELL DOLLARS

Obverse: Liberty Bell. Same as No. 23.
Reverse: Washington bust, by Key, r.; Born, Died etc. on label below. Issued by Messrs. Deihl, Philadelphia.

HK-30 - Silver. Size 24
HK-31 - Copper.
HK-32 White Metal.

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 23.
Reverse: In 11 lines, first and last curved, others straight Centennial Memorial / of / Siloam / M.E. Church / Philadelphia / Founded A.D. 1859 / Finished A.D. 1876 / We trust in the / living God / 1 Time. IV. X. / Jehovah Jireh.

HK-33 - Copper. Size 24

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 23.
Reverse: In 12 lines, first and last curved, others straight Centennial / Memorial / of the / Cumberland St. / M.E. Church / Philadelphia / 1876, / God is our refuge and / strength, a very / present help in / trouble, Ps. XLVII

HK-34 - Brass. Size 24

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 23.
Reverse: In 6 lines, first 4 curved, others straight Union Avenue / Baptist / Sunday / School / June 7 / 1876; 13 stars in field.

HK-35 - Copper. Size 24
HK-36 - White Metal.

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 23.
Reverse: G.A.R. badge: eagle seated on cannon (top), U.S. flag (center) and star (bottom); above around Fraternity Charity Loyolty; below, around 1861·1865.

HK-37 - Copper. Size 24
HK-38 - White Metal.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

INDEPENDENCE HALL DOLLARS

Obverse: Independence Hall. Same as reverse of No. 23.
Reverse: Military bust Washington by Key, r.; Born, Died etc. on label below. Issued by Messrs. Deihi, Philadelphia.

HK-39 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-40 - Copper.
HK-41 - White Metal.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

Obverse: Same as reverse of No. 23
Reverse: Naked bust Washington r.; around General Washington; below 1776.

HK-42 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-43 - Copper.
HK-44 - Gilt.
HK-45 - White Metal.

Obverse: Same as reverse of No. 23
Reverse: Centennial / Celebration / Chosen Friends / Lodge / No. 100 I.O.O.F / Sept. 20, 1876.; chain of 3 links below Centennial.

HK-46 White Metal. Size 24.
HK-46a - Copper.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

Obverse: Independence Hall. Same as reverse of No. 27.
Reverse: Same as reverse of No. 60.

HK-47 - White Metal, reeded edge. Size 24.

LIBERTY SEATED DOLLARS

Obverse: Liberty seated, facing to l.; above around Free and United States; below 1876.
Reverse: Edifice; above around Birth Place of American; below Independence / 1776.

HK-48 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-49 - Copper.
HK-50 - Gilt.
HK-51 - White Metal.

Obverse: Same as last.
Reverse: Naked bust Washington r.; below 1776; around General Washington

HK-52 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-53 - Copper.
HK-54 - Gilt.
HK-55 - White Metal.
HK-55a - Brass.

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 48
Reverse: Scene within fort includes two soldiers and woodsman; below 1776; above, all-seeing eye surrounded by star with rays between American and Colonies

HK-56 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-57 - Copper.
HK-58 - Gilt.
HK-59 - White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 48
Reverse: Six-pointed star with rays; above around Struck in the Centennial buildings / in the one hundredth year; below of American / Independence / 1876; small No below and r. of 6 in date; beaded border.

HK-60 - Copper, reeded edge. Size 24.
HK-61 - White Metal.

CENTENNIAL FOUNTAIN DOLLARS

Obverse: Fountain; above Centennial Fountain; below Fairmount Park / Dedicated to / American Liberty / July 4, 1876 / Phila.
Reverse: Blank except for ornamental scrolls around border.

HK-62 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-63 - Copper.
HK-64 - Gilt.

Obverse: Same as last.
Reverse: Naked bust Washington r.; below 1776; around General Washington

HK-65 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-66 - Copper.
HK-67 - Gilt.
HK-68 - White Metal.

Obverse: Same. Two dies known.
Reverse: Emblem with Christian cross in center, letters CTAU of A at top; around * Erected by the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America

HK-69 - Copper Gilt. Size 24.
HK-70 - White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

AMERICAN COLONIES-GENERAL WASHINGTON DOLLAR

Obverse: American Colonies. Same as reverse of No. 56.
Reverse: General Washington. Same as reverse of No. 65.

HK-71 - Bronze. Size 24.
HK-72 Brass.
HK-72a - White Metal.
HK-72b - Silver.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

ABRAHAM LINCOLN DOLLAR

Obverse: Clothed bust r.; around Abraham Lincoln
Reverse:. Our / Nation’s / Freedom / Achieved by / Washington / and / Perpetuated by / Lincoln around, within inner ornamented ring *** Centennial of American independence 1876

HK-73 - Pewter. Size 25.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DOLLAR

See Part I, U. S. Semicentennial—1826, for facts on Declaration.

Obverse: Copy of John Trumbull’s painting of 1776 Congress; Committee of Five making its report on Declaration (heads facing); above The Declaration; below of Independence, 1776
Reverse: In / Commemoration / of the / Centennial / of / Colonial / Independence / 1876; at top, around United States of America; bottom edge around, microscopic Pat. Nov. 3, 1874 H&L

HK-74 - White Metal. Size 27.
HK-74a - Bronze.
HK-74b - Brass.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

Obverse: Same as last.
Reverse: Washington bust by Lovett r.; border of cavalry and infantry; 100th Anniversary, etc.

HK-75 - Bronze. Size 26.
HK-75a - Silver.
HK-76 - White Metal.
HK-77 - Pewter.

Obverse: As last, but heads in profile.
Reverse: Same as reverse of last.

HK-78 Bronze. Size 26.
HK-79 - Pewter.
HK-79a - Silver.
HK-79b - Brass.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

EXPOSITION BUILDING DOLLARS

Obverse: Edifice, microscopic GHL at lower r.; above Grand entrance / International; below, 1776 1876 / Exposition / Philadelphia
Reverse: Main Building / Length / 1880 feet / Width 464 feet / Height 70 feet / Area 22 acres. / Fairmount / Park / Philadelphia; around To commemorate the 100th anniversary of our nation’s birth 1776 U.S.M. Co. 1876

HK-80 - White Metal. Size 27.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Edifice (Main Building), microscopic W. H. Key. F at lower r.; above Centennial / Exposition; below Philadelphia / 1876 (date and 13 stars within broad shield).
Reverse: 1776 / Illustrating / The growth and prosperity / of a free people / in a hundred years / 1876; at bottom edge, microscopic Pat Nov. 3, 1874 H&L

HK-81 - Copper. Size 27.
HK-81a - Silver.
HK-82 - White Metal.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

Obverse: Edifice; above Centennial / Art gallery; below Philadelphia / In memorial; at lower l. edge edifice W. H. Key. F
Reverse: Same as last.

HK-83 - Copper. Size 27.
HK-83a - Silver.
HK-84 - White Metal.
HK-85 - Gutta-Percha, Black.
HK-86 - Gutta-Percha, Red.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

Obverse: Edifice; above Centennial; below Horticultural / Hall /Philadelphia; microscopic Key F centered below edifice.
Reverse: Same as reverse of No. 81

HK-87 - Copper. Size 27.
HK-87a - Silver.
HK-88 - White Metal.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

Obverse: Art Gallery.
Reverse: Horticultural Hall.
A mule, obverses of Nos. 83 and 87.

HK-89 - Copper.

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 81.
Reverse: Same as obverse of No. 83.

HK-89a - White Metal. Size 27.

Obverse: Same as obverse of No. 81.
Reverse: Same as obverse of No. 87.

HK-89b - White Metal. Size 27.
HK-89c - Brass.

Image provided by John Dean

LOVETT’S ‘EIGHT BATTLES’ DOLLARS

Issued by George H. Lovett, New York City, to commemorate battles of 1776. Series of 8 priced at time of issue in white metal, $2; in bronze, $4; in silver, $14; case for each set, $1. All now very rare.

Obverse: Naked bust Washington r., within circle of 34 stars; around The centennial year of our national independence; below 1876; beaded border.
Reverse: In center of beaded circle with rays, 1776; above around Battle of Moores Creek Bridge / February 27; below 1 / No. Carolina — all within wreath of oak leaves; beaded border.

HK-90 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-91 - Bronze.
HK-92 - White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Same.
Reverse: Same, except Battle of Sullivan’s Island / June 28 / 1776 / 2 / So. Carolina

HK-93 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-94 Bronze.
HK-95 - White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Same.
Reverse: Same, except Battle of Long Island / August 27 / 1776 / 3 / New York

HK-96 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-97 - Bronze.
HK-98 - White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Same.
Reverse: Same, except Battle of Harlem Plains / September 16 / 1776 / 4 / New York

HK-99 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-100 - Bronze.
HK-101 - White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Same.
Reverse: Same, except Battle of Lake Champlain / October 71 & 72 / 1776 / 5 / New York

HK-102 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-103 - Bronze.
HK-104 - White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Same.
Reverse: Same, except Battle of White Plains / October 28 / 1776 / 6 / New York

HK-105 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-106 - Bronze.
HK-107 White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

Obverse: Same.
Reverse: Same, except Battle of Fort Washington / November 16 / 1776 / 7 / New York

HK-108 - Silver, Size 22.
HK-109 - Bronze.
HK-110 - White Metal.

Image provided by Jonathan Brecher

Obverse: Same.
Reverse: Same, except Battle of Trenton / December 26 / 1776 / 8 / New Jersey

HK-111 - Silver. Size 22.
HK-112 - Bronze.
HK-113 White Metal.

Image provided by John Dean

UNITY OF GOVERNMENT DOLLAR

Obverse: Military bust Washington, facing slightly r. of front; around Unity of government is the main pillar of independence
Reverse: He is / A freeman / Whom the truth / Makes free.; around Liberty and independence * July 4, 1776 *

HK-114 - White Metal. Size 21.
HK-114a - Bronze.
HK-114b - Copper.
HK-114c - Brass.
HK-114d - Nickel.
HK-114e - Silver.

Image provided by Dave Hayes

CHILDREN OF AMERICA DOLLARS

Obverse: Draped bust Washington l. within open wreath of palm and oak; around 100th anniversary of the Declaration / of Independence * July 4, 1876
Reverse: Dedicated / to the / Children / of / America; around, open wreath of laurel and oak; at top, 1876

HK-115 - Bronze. Size 21.
HK-115a - Silver.
HK-116 - Copper.
HK-117 - Pewter.

Image provided by John Dean

E PLURIBUS UNUM, WASHINGTON— GRANT DOLLAR

Obverse: Two full male figures stand on either side of U. S. shield; on streamer to l. of shield, vertical Washington, to r. of shield, vertical U. S. Grant, and below shield, 1776 1876; spread-winged eagle, seated on shield, streamer from beak bearing E Pluribus Unum; outside around, 25 stars; below, Centennial / I X wehwr (this portion illegible).
Reverse: Within open wreath, tied at bottom with ribbon, * / Dedicated / To the / People of the / United States / As a memorial / Of the first / Century of / Liberty.

HK-118 - White Metal. Size 26.
HK-118a - Silver.
HK-118b - Bronze.