1876 Centennial Exposition Medals – Philadelphia World’s Fair Awards

About 12,000 of these identical 3 inch bronze award medals were awarded at the 1876 Centennial Exposition according to this report “by “A Centennial Cabinet” by Ron Abler. However, there are three versions of the medals as well as some privately produced award medals. One version is a 4 inch bronze medal and another version is a 4 inch silver medal which was the ordinal design plan, but after producing a few of this size, this medal size was stopped because of production problems and the 3 inch diameter medals was produced as the main award medal.

1876 Exposition Award Medals Examples

Official Medals of the US Centennial Exposition

Official Medals – Authorized by Congress and struck in the Mint Exhibit at the Exposition. Silver 10,133 struck, Bronze 13,000 struck, Gilt 10,500 stuck.

More Expo Medals of the US Centennial Exposition

More About the1876 Centennial Exposition Medal Awards

The 1876 Centennial Exposition, held in Philadelphia, marked the 100th anniversary of the United States’ independence and was a showcase of American culture and industry. Here’s a closer look at the awards and some of the notable recipients who received medals:

Award Medal Categories:

The Centennial Exposition’s awards were divided into several broad categories that reflected the industrial and cultural spirit of the time:

Agriculture: Honoring advancements in farming machinery, techniques, and produce.
Manufacturing: Recognizing innovation in the manufacturing processes and the quality of finished goods.
Education and Science: For contributions to educational materials, scientific discoveries, and technological inventions.
Art: Awards for achievements in painting, sculpture, and other fine arts.
Machinery: For new developments in industrial machinery and tools.
Horticulture: Recognizing excellence in botanical exhibits and gardening innovation.

Criteria for Medal Recipients:

The Centennial Exposition awards were granted based on:

Innovation and Originality: New and original contributions to the field were highly prized.
Design and Craftsmanship: The aesthetic and functional design of the products displayed.
Practical Utility: The usefulness and practical application of the exhibits.
Scientific Achievement: Contributions to science that could further industrial or cultural progress.

Spotlight Stories of Award Winners

One notable recipient was Alexander Graham Bell, who received a Centennial Medal for his invention of the telephone, which he demonstrated at the exposition. This invention would go on to revolutionize global communication.

Another highlight was the Remington Typewriter Company, which showcased the Sholes and Glidden typewriter, receiving recognition for this innovation that would become indispensable in business.

The Corliss Steam Engine, a giant and powerful steam engine exhibited by George H. Corliss, also received accolades. It was the centerpiece of Machinery Hall and powered many of the exhibits, symbolizing the industrial might of the nation.

Lastly, a special mention could go to the Japanese Pavilion, which was awarded for its introduction of Japanese culture and arts to the American public, profoundly influencing American aesthetics and design, particularly in the Aesthetic Movement.

Among the attendees were some of the era’s most influential personalities

These awards and their recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and cultural exchange that the 1876 Centennial Exposition celebrated, setting the stage for the future of American industry and arts.

The 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia was not only a showcase of innovation but also a gathering of notable figures from various fields. Among the attendees were some of the era’s most influential personalities:

1. Alexander Graham Bell: He introduced the telephone to the public at the Centennial Exposition. His demonstrations brought him to the attention of powerful financiers who would help him found the Bell Telephone Company.
2. Thomas Edison: While not yet the famed inventor he would become, Edison attended the exposition where he would have seen the latest technological innovations, possibly influencing his future work.
3. Ulysses S. Grant: The President of the United States at the time, Ulysses S. Grant, along with Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil, presided over the exposition’s opening ceremony.
4. Susan B. Anthony: The Centennial Exposition was also a platform for social reformers like Susan B. Anthony, who distributed pamphlets and advocated for women’s rights.
5. John Philip Sousa: The musician, who would later become famous as the “March King,” performed at the exposition as a conductor of the United States Marine Band.
6. Joseph Henry: The first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Joseph Henry, was involved in planning the exposition and ensuring the event’s educational quality.
7. Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil: His presence was a testament to the international importance of the exposition. He was known for his interest in science and technology, making the exposition particularly appealing to him.

These figures, among many others, contributed to the fair’s atmosphere of cultural exchange, intellectual collaboration, and societal progression. The interaction of such a diverse group of luminaries no doubt spurred conversations and ideas that influenced the course of American history.