(1904) Brass Medal SH-13-9, Louisiana Purchase Exposition

Coin Details

Description

Brass commemorative medal struck for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (LPE), also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, held in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri from April 30 to December 1, 1904. The Fair celebrated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and was a showcase of American and international commercial, industrial, and cultural achievement, attracting nearly twenty million visitors over its eight-month run. Catalogued by Shevlin and Hyder as SH-13-9. The piece is also cross-referenced in the Hibler and Kappen So-Called Dollar catalog as HK-305 and HK-305a, reflecting its dollar-sized format and classification within the broader tradition of large commemorative medals of the exposition era. Private mint medallic productions document contemporary American cultural interests and commemorative priorities through their choice of subjects, designs, and distribution methods. Diameter approximately 34mm.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Louisiana Purchase Exposition medals and related so-called dollars are a well-studied collecting area with strong demand among exposition medal and so-called dollar specialists. The SH-13-9 variety survives in limited numbers; examples with sharp strike and minimal post-mint wear are preferred by serious collectors.

Cross References

Shevlin-Hyder SH-13-9; HK-305; HK-305a