Centennial International Exhibition Capital Stock Certificate.

FELTON, Cornelius C.; [Fred Fraley]; [Ino Welsh].

$2,000.00

Item Number: 146769

Philadelphia: Centennial Board of Finance, 1877.

Rare Centennial International Exhibition lithographic capital stock certificate. Elephant folio, one page, the certificate is dated April 24, 1877 and grants one share of stock in the Centennial Board Finance to Cornelius C. Felton, illustrated with impressive engraved vignettes of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a Native American mourning the progress of industrialization, Roman busts of Presidents Washington and Grant, Lady Liberty, and various scenes of historical and cultural relevance. The recipient of this stock certificate Cornelius Conway Felton, is likely the nephew of Cornelius C. Felton, one-time regent of the Smithsonian Institution and President of Harvard University. In near fine condition with light horizontal creasing. Handsomely matted and framed with an informational placard. The piece measures 27 inches by 31.25 inches.

The Centennial International Exposition was the first World's Fair to be held in America and timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania took measures to establish a commission in 1872, and that entity was authorized to issue up to $10 million in stock to finance the endeavor. The date of this certificate is 1877, after the conclusion of the exhibition (which ran from May-November of the previous year). Though well attended and credited with raising America's industrial profile globally, the Exposition did not turn a profit and this stock was likely sold after the fact to help raise funds to pay outstanding loans.