An interesting and rare/unique medal from the 1939 NY World's Fair.

Maywood · March 13, 2024 8:53AM

I saw the listing linked below at a Stack's Auction as I was browsing lots this morning. It is a one-ounce Platinum Medal issued in conjunction with the 1939 New York World's Fair. It comes with a mailer, OGP if you will, which makes it even more interesting because the medal is dated 1939 and the mailer is dated 1949. As mentioned in the lot description the fair also had a SC$ struck in Palladium by the same company, Baker Platinum Division of Engelhard Industries, Inc.

Has anyone here ever seen one of these or heard of one being sold/owned by a collector. Thanks in advance.

Maywood.
https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-18DEBH/1939-new-york-worlds-fair-engelhard-industries-baker-co-inc-medal-cf-hk-492-sh-24-6-pa-platinum-mint-state

LukeMarshall · March 13, 2024 11:34AM

I dont really know much about it, but I will say there is also a matching 5oz Platinum piece out there...

There is a completed auction for a 1oz platinum from a few years ago, the piece was in better condition and brought double Platinum spot if I recall correctly, I found a picture I stored locally

There are also Palladium pieces with a different design , from the same worlds fair.

I like these "vintage bullions' and have inquired about them in the past through Jeff Shevlin, but he didn't have to much info on them either.

Good luck in your search , I'll keep an eye on this thread for more info

ScarsdaleCoin · March 14, 2024 8:53AM

Here is info you were looking for....

Privately issued by Baker & Co. Inc., later known as Baker Platinum Division of Engelhard Industries, Inc., renowned as the "world's largest refiners and fabricators of precious metals", now under the umbrella of BASF Corporation. These medals were offered in four sizes - 1/2, 1, 5, and 10 oz. - at Baker's booth during the Fair for an incredible $24 per oz., a significant contrast to the metal's retail value at the time (compared to $1,050 per oz. in 2024).

Discovered by British scientist W. H. Wollaston in 1803 and named after Pallas Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Good Fortune, and Health, Palladium is among the six precious metals of the platinum group. It's utilized extensively in electrical contacts, jewelry, and as a catalyst. Interestingly, Palladium is slightly rarer than platinum, which itself is 14 times as rare as gold based on world production.

Baker's historical records have been lost to time, with all involved parties having passed away. They noted that most of the medals sold were eventually returned for refunds and later melted down. Sadly, no more 1 oz. pieces are available, and the dies used to create them have been destroyed. All medals were dated 1939, with no issues produced in 1940.