1892 Medal Eglit-106 White Metal 102mm World's Columbian Expo

Coin Details

Description

This 1892 white metal medal at 102 millimeters, cataloged as Eglit-106, is the companion to the bronzed copper version at the same massive size. White metal at 102mm presented unique manufacturing and preservation challenges — the soft tin-based alloy was difficult to strike cleanly at this diameter, and the resulting medals were fragile, susceptible to bending, and vulnerable to the environmental degradation that plagues white metal pieces. Despite these challenges, the white metal version offered a more affordable alternative to the bronzed copper Eglit-106, making the impressive 102mm design accessible to collectors who could not justify the higher price of the copper version. The bright silvery finish of white metal also provided a visual contrast to the dark bronzed surface, and some collectors preferred the lighter appearance for display purposes. At 102mm in white metal, this medal pushes the practical limits of the alloy. White metal's tendency to develop tin pest (a crystalline transformation that can cause the metal to crumble) is exacerbated in larger pieces, where internal stresses from the striking process are greater. Surviving examples of this size in white metal with intact surfaces and without warping or cracking are genuinely exceptional artifacts of the Columbian Exposition medal-producing industry.

Rarity Notes

Very rare in white metal at 102mm. The fragility of white metal at this size means very few examples have survived in presentable condition. Warping, tin pest, and surface porosity are common issues. Top-condition examples are museum-quality pieces.

Cross References

Eglit-106; PCGS #823102