1893 Medal Eglit-36 White Metal 40mm World's Columbian Expo

Coin Details

Auction Record

$24 VF Details 05-03-2019 eBay

Description

This 1893 white metal medal, cataloged as Eglit-36 in Levine's reference, measures 40 millimeters and was produced for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Eglit-36 design is one of the more commonly encountered types in the extensive series of Columbian Exposition souvenirs, appearing across multiple compositions and sizes as manufacturers sought to offer the design at various price points. White metal at 40mm represents the affordable middle range of WCE souvenir medals — larger than the smallest pocket tokens but modest enough in material cost to sell for a few cents at concession stands throughout the fairgrounds. The Midway Plaisance, the mile-long entertainment corridor adjacent to the main fairgrounds, was lined with vendors selling exactly this type of souvenir to the millions of visitors who passed through George Washington Gale Ferris's 264-foot observation wheel and the exotic village exhibits. The World's Columbian Exposition ran from May 1 through October 30, 1893, drawing approximately 27.5 million paid admissions. This staggering attendance ensured a massive market for commemorative souvenirs, and private manufacturers responded by producing medals in every conceivable metal, size, and design. Levine's Eglit catalog documents the remarkable breadth of this output, with Eglit-36 and its variants representing one of the many designs that circulated widely among fairgoers.

Rarity Notes

Common WCE souvenir type. The 40mm white metal version of Eglit-36 was produced in quantity and survives in good numbers. White metal pieces are susceptible to environmental damage and may show dark toning or porosity.

Cross References

Eglit-36; PCGS #707270