1893 Medal Eglit-337 Columbian Expo White Metal

Coin Details

Description

This 1893 white metal medal, cataloged as Eglit-337, is a Columbian Expo commemorative from the heart of Levine's higher-numbered series. The Eglit-337 number places this piece well into the less commonly encountered portion of the catalog, among designs that represent the extraordinary breadth of the WCE medal-producing industry. White metal at this catalog level indicates a budget-priced souvenir from a smaller manufacturer or a regional firm that produced limited quantities for a local market. The World's Columbian Exposition stimulated medal production far beyond the Chicago area. Manufacturers across the eastern United States and in Europe produced Columbian-themed medals for sale at the fair, through mail order, or through local retailers who capitalized on the national and international interest in the anniversary. The high Eglit numbers often document these geographically dispersed productions, which reached the fair in small quantities or circulated primarily outside Chicago. White metal at this catalog level combines two factors that make surviving examples relatively scarce: the inherently limited production runs of higher-numbered types and the poor survival characteristics of the white metal alloy. Collectors who specialize in WCE medals value higher Eglit numbers for the depth they add to a comprehensive collection, and white metal examples in good condition are genuinely difficult to locate.

Rarity Notes

Scarce to rare white metal medal from the higher Eglit number range. Very limited production combined with white metal fragility makes this a difficult piece to acquire in any condition. Clean, undamaged examples are particularly valued.

Cross References

Eglit-337; PCGS #968866