1893 Medal Eglit-36a Gilt Bronze 58mm World's Columbian Expo

Coin Details

Auction Record

$552 UNC Details 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1893 gilt bronze medal at 58 millimeters is the premium version of the Eglit-36a design from Levine's World's Columbian Exposition catalog. Gilt bronze — bronze with a thin layer of gold applied to the surface — represented one of the more expensive options for souvenir medals at the fair, giving buyers a golden appearance without the cost of solid gold. The 58mm diameter combined with the gilt finish made this among the more impressive souvenir pieces available. The gilding process used for Exposition-era medals typically involved fire gilding (mercury amalgam) or electroplating, both of which could produce a rich golden surface that mimicked solid gold presentation medals. Over time, gilt bronze pieces from this era may show areas where the gold layer has worn through to reveal the bronze substrate beneath, creating a distinctive two-toned appearance that collectors generally accept as part of the piece's character. The Eglit-36a design in gilt bronze at this generous 58mm size was clearly marketed to visitors willing to spend more for a superior souvenir of their Chicago visit. The World's Columbian Exposition attracted visitors from every social stratum, and the medal market reflected this diversity — from penny tokens to elaborate gilt bronze display pieces, there was a commemorative for every budget.

Rarity Notes

Gilt bronze at 58mm is one of the scarcer metal-size combinations for Eglit-36a. The gilt finish makes surviving examples condition-sensitive, as wear and cleaning readily damage the gold layer. Premium pieces with intact original gilding are uncommon.

Cross References

Eglit-36a; PCGS #909489