1892 Tin Medal Eglit-98B Christopher Columbus

Coin Details

Description

This 1892 tin medal, cataloged as Eglit-98B in Levine's reference, features Christopher Columbus and was produced in connection with the World's Columbian Exposition. The "Sn" designation in the title identifies the composition as tin (from the Latin stannum), distinguishing this variant from the silver Eglit-98A and white metal Eglit-98B versions of the same design. While tin and white metal are related — white metal typically contains tin as its primary component — pure tin medals have distinct handling and aging characteristics. Tin medals are lighter and softer than bronze and develop a characteristic dull gray surface over time that differs from the brighter finish of tin-rich white metal alloys containing antimony. The choice of tin for this Columbus portrait medal placed it at the most affordable end of the compositional spectrum, making it accessible to the broadest possible audience of fairgoers and Columbus enthusiasts. The Eglit-98B family encompasses multiple metal variants of the same Columbus portrait design, demonstrating the common practice among 19th-century medal producers of striking popular designs in several compositions to capture different market segments. From the prestige of silver (98A) through various base metals (98B variants), the design could be offered at price points ranging from a few cents to several dollars — a substantial range in an era when the average daily industrial wage was around two dollars.

Rarity Notes

Uncommon tin composition. Pure tin medals are fragile and easily damaged, resulting in lower survival rates than more durable compositions. The 1892 date adds scarcity relative to the more common 1893 production.

Cross References

Eglit-98B; PCGS #969178; Christopher Columbus