Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1959.1715me b |
Object Name |
Token |
Title |
Peale Museum (Philadelphia) Admission Token |
Artist |
Peale, Charles Willson |
Date |
after 1821 |
Description |
Obverse: profile portrait of Charles Willson Peale with "CHARLES WILLSON PEALE FOUNDER 1784" around perimeter. Reverse: "9" in center surrounded by two oak branches tied together with a bow. "PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM / INCORPORATED 1821" around perimeter. |
Label |
In 1784, artist Charles Willson Peale founded the Peale Museum, the first of its kind in the United States, to display paintings, sculpture, and a large collection of taxidermy. Peale first constructed a gallery in his home to show his collection of portraits. He later added a theatre, and, seeking funds for his display, decided to formally open a museum to the public. Inspired by the Enlightenment, Peale’s ultimate goal was to use the museum, which he saw as a “world in miniature,” to spread knowledge to the largest possible audience. Regular admission to the museum was twenty-five cents, with an additional fee for special exhibits such as the famous mastodon skeleton. For a time, the Museum was located in Philosophical Hall, the original and current home of the APS. Peale's Museum was incorporated in 1821 as “The Philadelphia Museum Company.” These admission tokens were likely struck in 1829 for annual subscribers to the Museum. The Board of Directors also commissioned medals in gold and silver to be given to the museums’ benefactors. Christian Gobrecht, who made dies for medals at the U.S. Mint (and later became Chief Engraver there) probably manufactured the tokens. |
Material |
Gilt copper |
Dimensions |
D-0.125 Dia-1.25 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century advertising |