1884-5 Medal World's Industrial & Cotton Centennial Expo Bronze 74mm

Coin Details

Description

This 1884-1885 bronze medal at 74mm commemorates the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The exposition, running from December 1884 to June 1885, celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the first shipment of cotton from the United States and showcased the industrial progress of the "New South." Despite financial difficulties and lower-than-expected attendance, the exposition demonstrated the South's determination to rebuild its economy and compete with Northern industrial centers. The 74mm bronze format is substantial, indicating an official or award-grade medal. The secondary market for American medals has become increasingly sophisticated, with specialized auction houses, dealer networks, and online platforms connecting buyers and sellers across a global collector community. The Cotton Centennial was a significant marker in post-Reconstruction Southern identity and economic development.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition medal, bronze 74mm. New Orleans exposition medals.

Cross References

PCGS #817770; World's Industrial & Cotton Centennial Exposition; New Orleans; Bronze 74mm; 1884-1885