1885 Bronze Medal Harkness La-50 Industrial & Cotton Expo

Coin Details

Description

This 1885 bronze medal, cataloged as Harkness La-50, relates to the Industrial and Cotton Exposition in Louisiana. The Harkness catalog documents Louisiana-related medals and tokens. This piece is connected to the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition (see PCGS #817770) which ran from late 1884 to mid-1885 in New Orleans. The exposition celebrated cotton's centennial and the New South's industrial progress. The artistic quality of American medals has evolved significantly over time, from the competent but sometimes crude products of early die cutters to the sophisticated sculptural compositions of modern medalists. Advanced medal collectors often pursue thematic collections organized around specific subjects, time periods, manufacturers, or medalists, creating focused holdings that illuminate particular aspects of American commemorative culture. Bronze exposition medals documented participation and attendance at one of the South's most ambitious post-Reconstruction events.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Harkness La-50, bronze. Louisiana exposition medals are regionally collected.

Cross References

PCGS #969320; Harkness La-50; Industrial & Cotton Exposition; Louisiana; Bronze; 1885