The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
CultureAmerican
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.1
Not on view
DescriptionOne of collection of 200 silver medals.The 1776 Medal: Signing of the Decleration of Independence
When reconcilitation could not be obtained from England following a series of Acts passed by Parliament, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson did the actual writing. They are shown left to right on the 1776 medal. Seated is John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. He signed the Declaration on July 4 and Charles Thomson, Secretary, standing at his right, witnessed it.
According to Harper's Cyclopedia of History (1893), "The declaration was signed on the day of its adoption by every member present who voted for it, to show that a majority of the colonies approved the measure. These signatures were attached to a copy on paper. It was engrossed and signed again on the 2nd of August."
Unfortunately the original copy, sent to a printer to prepare the broadsides for distribution throughout the Colonies, was lost. Congress resolved on July 19 that a parchment copy be made which was to "be signed by every member of Congress." For this reason, due to changes in delegates, several members of Congress that were present at the July 4th adoption did not sign the Declaration.
The Declaration of Independence is America's most important document. Without it there would have been no United States of America.
