1893 Medal Eglit-22 Copper The John Scott Medal

Coin Details

Auction Record

$35 MS62RB 04-25-2023 eBay

Description

This copper version of the 1893 Eglit-22 medal is known as the John Scott Medal, a distinguished scientific award with roots predating the Columbian Exposition by over a century. The John Scott Legacy Medal and Premium was established by a bequest from Edinburgh druggist John Scott in 1816, administered by the Board of Directors of City Trusts of Philadelphia since 1834. The award recognizes individuals whose inventions have contributed to the comfort, welfare, and happiness of humankind. The connection to the World's Columbian Exposition reflects the fair's emphasis on technological innovation and scientific progress. The 1893 Exposition served as a showcase for transformative inventions — among them the alternating current electrical system, the kinetoscope, and the dishwasher — and the John Scott Medal's presence at the fair underscored Chicago's ambition to position the event as more than mere spectacle. The Scott Medal has been awarded to luminaries including Thomas Edison, Marie and Pierre Curie, and Nikola Tesla over its long history. This copper striking of Eglit-22 represents the base-metal version of the award medal. The piece combines the gravitas of one of America's oldest scientific honors with the commemorative fervor of the Columbian Exposition, creating a medal of considerable historical interest to collectors of both scientific memorabilia and world's fair souvenirs.

Rarity Notes

The John Scott Medal is a scarce award piece with limited production, as medals were struck only for recipients and a small number of presentation examples. The copper version is rarer than typical WCE souvenir medals.

Cross References

Eglit-22; PCGS #919104; John Scott Legacy Medal and Premium