CVC & Collectables presents the 1876 Libertas Americana Token, issued by John W. Kline of Philadelphia to commemorate the U.S. Centennial and struck by the famed engraver John Adams Bolen. Graded NGC AU 53 BN, this bronze token is a celebrated 19th-century homage to the iconic Libertas Americana design of 1783.
Token Highlights:
- Issuer: John W. Kline, Philadelphia
- Struck by: John Adams Bolen
- Date: 1876 (U.S. Centennial)
- Composition: Bronze
- Grade: NGC AU 53 BN
- Reference: Musante JAB-47 (variant)
Obverse:
A faithful rendition of the classic Libertas Americana bust—Liberty facing left, with flowing hair beneath a pole and Phrygian cap—modeled after the original Benjamin Franklin-backed design.
Reverse:
American-themed imagery often associated with liberty and revolution, honoring the American and French alliance. This piece replicates the visual ethos of the original 1783 medal while adapting it to the patriotic spirit of 1876.
Historical Significance:
Created during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, this token served as a private tribute to the ideals of liberty, independence, and national pride. Bolen’s craftsmanship and Kline’s vision merged to revive the powerful symbolism of one of America’s most historically important medallic motifs.
Collectibility:
- Struck in limited numbers as commemorative pieces
- Represents a revival of revolutionary iconography during America’s first centennial
- Popular with collectors of early American medals and Bolen issues
This is an evocative and beautifully executed token from the golden age of American medallic art—an enduring reminder of the legacy of liberty and numismatic tradition.
Whether you’re a collector of Lovett pieces, early U.S. tokens, or numismatic ephemera, this token delivers charm, rarity, and personality in one delightful package. Find more alike here!
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