1939 Brass Medal Baker-734, New York World's Fair

Coin Details

Auction Record

$600 MS63 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1939 medal Baker-734 in brass commemorates the New York World's Fair, the massive exposition held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park that celebrated "The World of Tomorrow." Washington's portrait on a World's Fair medal connected the founding past to the futuristic theme of the exposition, which featured exhibits on television, highways, robots, and other technologies. The 1939 World's Fair was held 150 years after Washington's inauguration in New York, creating a natural commemorative connection. The symbolic power of Washington's image in American culture made his likeness a natural choice for medallic commemoration of events ranging from military victories to civic celebrations, fraternal gatherings, and commercial promotions. Brass composition indicates a standard souvenir piece sold at the fairgrounds. Baker-734 documents the continuing use of Washington's image at international expositions, a tradition dating back to the 1876 Centennial.

Rarity Notes

Baker-734. Brass. New York World's Fair 1939.

Cross References

Baker-734; PCGS #535266; New York World's Fair