1892 Medal Elgit-84 Bronze World's Columbian Expo

Coin Details

Auction Record

$264 MS64BN 10-30-2018 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1892 bronze medal, listed as Elgit-84 (alternate spelling of Eglit), was produced for the World's Columbian Exposition in the year before the fair's public opening. The Eglit-84 design is among the pre-opening commemorative issues that manufacturers struck during 1892 to capitalize on the growing public anticipation for the great Chicago fair. Dedication ceremonies in October 1892 had drawn national attention to the Exposition, creating demand for commemorative souvenirs even before the gates opened. Bronze was the standard metal for mid-range souvenir medals at world's fairs throughout the 19th century. American mints and die-sinking firms had decades of experience producing commemorative medals in bronze by 1892, and the metal's combination of affordability, workability, and durability made it the default choice for most private-issue medals. The warm brown patina that bronze develops over time also gives medals an appealing antique character that many collectors prefer to the brighter surfaces of newer metals. The 1892 date distinguishes this piece from the much larger body of 1893-dated WCE medals. Pre-opening pieces are valued by collectors who seek to assemble comprehensive representations of the Columbian Exposition commemorative program, documenting the full arc from early promotional efforts through the fair's operating season and its aftermath.

Rarity Notes

Bronze pre-opening medal from 1892. Less common than 1893-dated pieces but not rare, as significant numbers of medals were produced in 1892 for the dedication ceremonies and early promotional distribution.

Cross References

Eglit-84 (also spelled Elgit-84); PCGS #618422