Unique gold 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition medal by Weinman - Ex-Eliasberg

Zoins

I'm a big fan of gold medals and was excited to see this Eliasberg medal up for auction again. This Louisiana Purchase Exposition in gold may be unique.

Here's part of the description from Heritage:

This is the first gold example of this medal that we have handled, and it appeared twice at Stack's and Stack's Bowers. We are not aware of any others. This impressive medal may be unique. This Premium Gem medal has finely-grained and frosted yellow-gold surfaces with a few small copper toning spots on the obverse. All of Weinman's design details are boldly rendered. This is a stunning example of medallic art.

Wonder if Hansen would be interested in it for the Eliasberg quest.

keets

I saw that and the Cotton States a few days ago. that brown spot is very distracting, but aside from that it's a very pleasing example of a great design. maybe it's just the image, but the obverse design doesn't seem to be struck up as well as some Bronze medals I've seen.

ricko

A lovely gold medal....though the major copper spot on the neck is a distraction.....one I could live with if it were a gift Cheers, RickO

thebeav

That really is a beautiful medal.
Even with the 'hickey'.......

Weiss

Per Heritage:

57.2 mm. 159.52 grams (5.13 troy ounces). Specific gravity: 19.17. The original maroon case accompanies this medal. This design by Adolph Alexander Weinman is similar to Hendershot 30-40 through 30-120. This piece is round, rather than shield-shaped, and it is 24K gold or nearly so, per the specific gravity.

SaorAlba

I'm not sure why Hansen should have this. I collect the bronze medals in the original boxes.

7Jaguars

I think that spot could be removed without other trace, simple oxidation spot.

That is a beautiful medal in gold, and of such size. Hello Dan Carr!!!

ffcoins

A copper spot?! Meh, I’d pay melt for it.

But seriously. Beautiful design.

Zoins

@keets said:
I saw that and the Cotton States a few days ago. that brown spot is very distracting, but aside from that it's a very pleasing example of a great design. maybe it's just the image, but the obverse design doesn't seem to be struck up as well as some Bronze medals I've seen.

I agree the spot is distracting and is in an unfortunate spot but it comes with the territory with unique old gold. I wonder if it can be conserved.

Do you recall what the relief looked like when you saw it in hand?

Zoins

@SaorAlba said:
I'm not sure why Hansen should have this.

The main reason is because he's on an Eliasberg quest. So far it seems like he's sticking with the complete U.S. coins set, but Eliasberg owned so much more.

Of course, even if he was interested, it would have to beat out other interested buyers.

Zoins

This just sold for $31,200.00 at FUN. Great price for a great medal!

• https://coins.ha.com/itm/expositions-and-fairs/mcmiv-1904-louisiana-purchase-exposition-commemorative-gold-medal-ms66-ngc-baxter-108-similar-to-hendershot-30-40-through/a/1311-4311.s?

kiyote

24k is very soft... that might account for some of why the reverse looks so wea— Holy COW did no one know what a dolphin looked like back then?!

Zoins

@kiyote said:
Holy COW did no one know what a dolphin looked like back then?!

I think it was no one

Here's Hermon MacNeil's original Standing Liberty Quarter design with similar dolphins!

7Jaguars

Those are taken from 4th and 5th Century BC Greek designs.....