1873 dated Certificate of Subscription for Stock of the Centennial Board of Finance

Printed by Wm. F. Murphy's Prs., Phila. Extremely Rare! The Centennial Board of Finance was a crucial entity established to fund the ambitious Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, held in Philadelphia to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American independence. Recognizing that such a grand undertaking would require significant capital, the United States Congress, on June 1, 1872, created this board with representatives from each state and territory. Its primary mission was to raise funds for the exposition by offering subscriptions of capital stock, divided into shares of $10 each, with a maximum target of $10 million. This innovative approach sought to involve the public directly in the financing of this momentous national celebration, showcasing a spirit of self-reliance and public participation in a major civic endeavor.

Beyond simply raising money, the Centennial Board of Finance also played a role in managing the fiscal aspects of the exposition. It was responsible for the sale of official Centennial medals and other commemorative items, with profits directly contributing to the exhibition's expenses. While the initial expectation was that the entire cost would be borne by private citizens through these stock subscriptions, the scale of the undertaking eventually led to a congressional appropriation to ensure its success. The board's existence and operations highlight the complex financial arrangements necessary for large-scale public events in the post-Civil War era, demonstrating a blend of private initiative and, ultimately, government support to commemorate a pivotal moment in American history.