1883 Medal Lemke-1 White Metal Holed East River Bridge Opening

Coin Details

Auction Record

$40 AU55 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1883 white metal medal, cataloged as Lemke-1, holed for suspension, commemorates the opening of the East River Bridge — now known as the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed on May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world and one of the greatest engineering achievements of the nineteenth century. Designed by John Augustus Roebling and completed after his death by his son Washington Roebling, the bridge connected Manhattan and Brooklyn, transforming the development of New York City. The Lemke catalog documents this specific bridge opening medal. Opening day celebrations drew enormous crowds, and souvenir medals were distributed to commemorate the event. The medallic commemorative tradition in America accelerated during the centennial celebrations of the late nineteenth century, with the 1876 Centennial Exposition generating an unprecedented number of medallic issues. The Brooklyn Bridge became an iconic symbol of American engineering and urban ambition.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Lemke-1, white metal, holed. Brooklyn Bridge opening medals are actively collected by both numismatists and New York City history enthusiasts.

Cross References

PCGS #813236; Lemke-1; East River Bridge; Brooklyn Bridge Opening; White Metal; Holed; 1883