1892 Medal Eglit-224 Silvered Bronze Christopher Columbus

Coin Details

Description

This 1892 silvered bronze medal, cataloged as Eglit-224, features Christopher Columbus in a finish that combines the weight and durability of bronze with the bright appearance of silver plating. The silvered surface elevates the visual impact of the Columbus portrait, providing enhanced contrast between the design elements and the background that makes the engraving details more legible than on plain bronze. The silvering process applied to bronze medals of this era typically involved electroplating or chemical silver deposition. Silvered bronze (sometimes noted as "silvered AE," where AE is the abbreviation for the Latin aes, meaning bronze or copper alloy) was a popular compromise between the affordability of plain bronze and the prestige of solid silver. The technique was widely used across the medal industry and was particularly common for exposition souvenirs intended for the upper-middle segment of the market. This silvered variant of Eglit-224 was produced in smaller quantities than the plain copper version, as the additional plating step increased both manufacturing cost and retail price. Surviving examples may show areas where the silvering has worn through, a condition that collectors generally accept as authentic aging rather than damage, though pieces with fully intact silvering naturally command higher prices.

Rarity Notes

Scarce silvered variety. The silvered bronze version of Eglit-224 was produced in smaller quantities than the plain copper or bronze versions. Pieces with intact, unworn silvering are particularly desirable and less commonly encountered.

Cross References

Eglit-224; PCGS #901769; Christopher Columbus