1892-1893 Medal Elgit-98B White Metal World's Columbian Expo

Coin Details

Description

This white metal medal dated 1892-1893, listed as Elgit-98B, is a Columbus portrait piece from the World's Columbian Exposition series. The white metal composition and dual-year dating identify this as a broadly distributed souvenir version of the Eglit-98 design, produced across the full span of the Columbian celebration from the 1892 dedication ceremonies through the 1893 operating season. White metal — a tin-antimony alloy sometimes containing small amounts of copper or lead — was the most common material for inexpensive exposition medals in the late 19th century. The alloy strikes well, reproducing fine portrait details with good clarity, and its bright silvery appearance gives new pieces an attractive finish. Over time, however, white metal is prone to darkening, developing porosity, and becoming brittle, making well-preserved examples more valuable than their original production quantities might suggest. The Eglit-98B design in white metal represents the mass-market version of the Columbus portrait type. While the silver Eglit-98A version served collectors and presentation purposes, white metal pieces like this were sold by the thousands to fairgoers as affordable keepsakes. The dual 1892-1893 dating on this variant indicates production intended for sale throughout the extended Columbian commemoration period rather than for any specific ceremony or event.

Rarity Notes

Common composition for this design type, though the 1892-1893 dual date is somewhat less frequently encountered than single-year 1893 dating. White metal condition varies widely; bright, undamaged examples are preferred.

Cross References

Eglit-98B (also spelled Elgit-98B); PCGS #913173; Christopher Columbus