1892 Medal Eglit-223 Bronze World's Columbian Expo

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 MS65 08-25-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1892 bronze medal, cataloged as Eglit-223 in Levine's reference, is a World's Columbian Exposition commemorative from the pre-opening year. The Eglit-223 number places this piece in the middle portion of Levine's catalog, among designs that were documented after the initial core series but are no less legitimate as WCE commemoratives. The bronze composition provided the durability that has allowed this medal to survive in collectible condition for over 130 years. The pre-opening period of 1892 saw significant medal production as manufacturers and vendors positioned themselves to capitalize on the Columbian anniversary. The October 1892 dedication ceremonies — attended by Vice President Levi Morton, who stood in for the ailing President Harrison — generated public excitement and media coverage that boosted demand for commemorative merchandise. Manufacturers who had medals ready for sale at the dedication had an early-mover advantage in the souvenir market. Bronze medals in the Eglit-200 range are generally less commonly encountered than the lower-numbered types, which tend to include the most widely produced and heavily promoted designs. Higher Eglit numbers often represent pieces produced by smaller manufacturers, regional firms, or foreign companies that contributed to the extraordinary diversity of the WCE medal series.

Rarity Notes

Scarce bronze medal from the higher Eglit number range. Types above Eglit-200 are generally less common than the core lower-numbered designs. Pre-opening 1892 dating adds modest scarcity.

Cross References

Eglit-223; PCGS #838374