1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition Commemorative Coin

pinnacle

I have, what I am calling, a commemorative coin from the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It is about 1 1/8 inches in diameter. I found this coin while cleaning out my dad's possessions. I did a Google image search but only came up with one hit which yielded no useful information. Has anyone seen this coin before? There is a half dollar that was minted as part of a fundraiser at that time but my coin is different than that one. Could it have been sold as a souvenir at the event?

I was a coin collector in my youth but have not done much in the hobby since then. Thank-you in advance for your help.

TomB

Howdy and welcome to the forum.

Your piece looks to be a contemporary medal or souvenir for the exposition, but it isn't a coin. I also believe it was originally meant to be suspended from a chain and you can see where it might have had a loop attached by the flattened rim at around twelve o'clock on the side with Columbus. I have seen this design before and don't believe it is very valuable, but can't give you much other information.

tokenpro

You have a commemorative medal (not a coin) issued at the Columbian Exposition in 1893. It is listed as Eglit-242 in the standard catalog "Columbiana" by Nathan Eglit and was struck in brass which was then gilded before issue. The piece was issued with an integral loop struck with the medal but your example has the loop missing (as many do). You can see the remnants at 12 o'clock on both sides. It is also known with silver plating rather than gilt. Even when complete it is not a scarce medal but is somewhat elusive in uncirculated condition with full gilt. It is one of hundreds and hundreds of commemorative tokens and medals issued for the Worlds Columbian Exposition.

MFeld

@tokenpro said:
You have a commemorative medal (not a coin) issued at the Columbian Exposition in 1893. It is listed as Eglit-242 in the standard catalog "Columbiana" by Nathan Eglit and was struck in brass which was then gilded before issue. The piece was issued with an integral loop struck with the medal but your example has the loop missing (as many do). You can see the remnants at 12 o'clock on both sides. It is also known with silver plating rather than gilt. Even when complete it is not a scarce medal but is somewhat elusive in uncirculated condition with full gilt. It is one of hundreds and hundreds of commemorative tokens and medals issued for the Worlds Columbian Exposition.

Based on your posts here, your username is most appropriate.👍

pinnacle

Thank-you all for your information!