By Q. David Bowers
Welcome to the latest installment in my series on the subject. I highlight some of those featured in the best-selling Whitman book, 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens. This week I feature the prize medal issued to exhibitors at the World’s Columbian Exposition. I have a personal connection to this event. The first “rare coin” I ever owned was a worn 1893 Columbian commemorative half dollar. My paternal great-grandmother, Frances Mumaugh, a highly accomplished professional artist, exhibited five paintings there.
1893 Columbian Exposition Award Medal
In the chronicle of world’s fairs, America has many notable entries, including the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, the 1933 Century of Progress, and those of later years. None ranks with the 1893 Columbian in terms of importance. Set in the dawn of the age of electricity, the ornately decorated white building was a heavenly sight at night.
Planned to open in 1892 to observe the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America (never mind the Norsemen who arrived centuries earlier), the event was to showcase the ultimate in American technology, art, and science, in good company with exhibits from around the world. Construction took longer than expected, and it was not until 1893 that the fairgrounds were ready to receive the public. President Grover Cleveland was on hand to signal the opening.
It was envisioned that Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s most accomplished and laureated sculptors, would create the official award medal. Offered a fee of $5,000, a remarkable sum for the era, the artist demurred at first, as he was busy with another commission, the Shaw Memorial (today an attraction in Boston Common near the Massachusetts State House). He suggested that the work be placed with an artist in France, where medallic engraving was a high form of art.
Finally, he consented to do the work, if only to keep it out of the hands of Charles E. Barber, the chief engraver at the Mint. By Saint-Gaudens and other sculptors of the time, Barber’s work was viewed as mediocre at best. Finally consenting, the artist prepared suggestions for the design, the obverse featuring Columbus reaching shore in the New World, a triumphant pose with his cape flared and hand outstretched. The reverse depicted a nude boy holding a torch and several small wreaths against a background of lettered inscriptions.
In a complicated scenario. The depiction of a nude male was considered erotic or obscene by some observers, while in the same era nude females in paintings and statues were perfectly acceptable. After much wrangling, an insipid reverse design by Chief Engraver Barber was mated with Saint-Gaudens’ obverse. The process took a long time, and the medals and accompanying certificates were not awarded to recipients until 1896. It was planned at first that 20,000 medals would be struck, but final production fell far short of that figure.
Estimated Market Values — Copper Strikings
Mint State-63 to 65 (Choice to Gem): $150 to $200
Mint State-60 to 62: $100 to $150
Commentary: The surface is often brass in appearance as made. These typically come with the name of the awardee on the back, by use of an insert into the die. The prices are for medals without original aluminum boxes, which could add $50 to the estimate.
If you wish to reach out to me for commentary, questions, or suggestions, I can be contacted via e-mail at qdbarchive@metrocast.net.
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KEITHSTER says
Wish I had a few these they are so neat ! Oh well different times I guess ? Good Luck All “><"
Numismatrix says
Great Story – interesting about St. Gaudens wanting to turn down
the offer! I have to say that all Columbian coins and medals miss
one important element – no depiction of Native Americans, their
vast history, and their engaging culture. It seems paradoxical that
Columbus came, and seemed to discover a continent vacant of any
human beings but abounding in resplendent riches desirable in Europe.
Numismatrix says
This new 4-Coin Au packaging looks cool :
https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-eagle-2018-gold-proof-four-coin-set-18EF.html?cgid=product-schedule
earthling says
Has there ever been a Coin connected to Elvis … in any way? For some reason I found myself reading a bit on Elvis recently and I came to realize this Guy was an all American Idol. He was definitely someone who still has a lot of Fans even this many years after his passing.
I’ll bet even some of the most stodgy grumpy Dog Chompin Dealers out there might be Fans of the King. Isn’t it time to honor the King? I mean when you put Father Finnagan and a pride of Lions on your Coins . It’s time for a Legend.
Larry says
@ earthling, great idea! We could have the next quarter series be rock and roll greats, Can’t wait to see Jimi Hendrix! Now those I would buy.
datadave says
Elemetal did a 2 oz HR Buddy Holly silver coin and I thought they would follow up with more but I haven’t seen them yet.
just another dave in pa says
Something is provided for all so that none may escape the Culture Industry.
I read about a 2018 Silver Krugerrand but I have seen nothing to confirm this.
KEITHSTER says
Dealers out there fans of the king? Just might happen as this Hobby of Kings turned King of Hobbies is now turning back to the former. Which would make Us all fans of the Kings? Well Good Luck And Rock On “>”><"<"
Zephin says
@Numismatrix says “This new 4-Coin Au packaging looks cool ”
Yes I like that … thanks for the info.
Tom says
The 2018 AGE 4 coin proof, as well as the single AGE proof coins have a house hold limit of 1. With lower product numbers as well.
John Q. Coinage says
The HHLimit of ONE will be gone in like 2 days……they are still selling 2016’s so a sellout seems unlikely even if ‘only’ 18k sets, IF they made it like 5k sets, all you need to do is buy the solo coins….IF you ‘need’ a set. IMHO collecting of these sets, MODERN gold date$ etc., is fading like the US Men’s Hockey team @ Olympics….
datadave says
Yes, the limits they chose for the Gold Proof Eagles were the highest sales for each item for the past 8 years, making them meaningless.
Darek says
earthling,
Few days ago you mentioned 2017 Buffalo, and I started to think about getting one, because this was the only one which I don’t have it. I just pulled the trigger, and they are almost gone.
Buzz Killington says
18,000 is still a high limit for a 4 coin gold proof set. Nevertheless, it is clear things are changing over there, and this year may be very limited — I would be very surprised if they sold anywhere near the limit. The problem for the Mint is, it is not clear anyone is going to care, as mintages decrease every year.
The box looks cheaper, which is a small plus.
Tinto says
I had an official medal from the 1915 Pan-Pac, in cleaned condition (NGC) but it was still neat to look at. Unfortunately it’s gone as part of my clean up effort while I still can … .
Bigguy says
Old news,not sure 5oz George Rodgers Clark 5oz sold out at the mint
John Q. Coinage says
A new box, kind of like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic? Hope Not, they ‘reboot’ movies & TV all the time – time for the MINT to reboot some bullion designs maybe or make some bi-annual ltd. #s reissues, a 1oz silver Bust $1, a 1/4 oz .999 Classic $5, maybe a PROOF MORGAN in 2021….a 100 year of Prohibition coin, with pot going legal 100 years later… with $4.2o face….just some thoughts….
Darek says
Buffaloes are gone. I got one, but if they add more I will return it.
TomP. in Va says
The 2017 Buffalo is currently unavailable.
cagcrisp says
When will People learn that Low Mintage Wonders Without Demand are Long Term Losers…
Darek says
cagcrisp,
I was planning to get Buffalo in January, but I changed my plans and I put that money in crypto. I don’t even know what is the lowest mintage. I was buying Buffaloes every year since 2006( 2006 I bought in 2007 together with 2007 for $899, I belive).
cagcrisp says
@Darek, If you wanted a Buffalo then Why would you “but if they add more I will return it”?
IF you have been collecting since 2006 surely you are aware of Mintages.
IF you want a Buffalo whether the Mint adds anymore or not should be irrelevant to your purchase.
You either want a Buffalo or Not…
Darek says
cagcrisp,
I am not aware of the exact mintages. I read it here that 2017 may be the lowest, but I don’t know by how many. I don’t know which one is the lowest mintage, because I like design and I didn’t check them. They were going straight to the safe and I never looked at them since. I was not sure if I want to continue to buy Proof Buffaloes. I will return only, if the Mint produces another batch of 2017 coins. I am not chasing the low mintage.
Erik H says
Earthling, not long ago MCM sent me an email for an Elvis 1 oz .999 fine silver medal, mintage 5,000.
I wasn’t interested for me but somebody I know so I bought it. It was pretty nice. I think I paid around $25 (not positive) but the new owner is enjoying it.
Darek says
cagcrisp,
One reason, that made me think to stop buying Proofs was that the Mint started to increase the premium for the coins. $1710 ( $400 over spot) was the highest price I paid for the single coin.
Daveinswfl says
Thanks for the info on the Buddy Holly UHRRound….it’s awesome. My brother will appreciate it as a cool birthday gift.
Whatever happened to enhanced uncirculated U.S. mint coins?
Bigguy says
So mr. Crisp,what do you really collect,most people collect what they like ,sometimes it is a low mintage or high mint,but in my 65 years of collecting ,the lower mintage is usually the best result,seems like you are always knocking people on this site that like to collect low mintage things,seems to me that is just smart collecting,maybe you savecommon pennies where they make 30 billion
Bigguy says
Mr crisp just to ask would you rather have a 1995 w proof silver or a proof from this year ,now remember they are made 30,125 so maybe not !!!!!
Darek says
earthling,
Last Proof Buffalo is waiting for you.
TomP. in Va says
The 2017 Buffalo is back on sale. ???
TomP. in Va says
The 2017 Buffalo is now back to currently unavailable. What a yoyo status. ???
Darek says
TomP. in Va,
I was checking my order status, and was only one available at 10:07 am ET.
Tom says
Those wanting a 2017 Proof Gold Buffalo – patience is needed.
Another batch is in the works.
Just like mama baking cookies.
cagcrisp says
Per CW article concerning the end of sales of the WWI medal and coin set…
Total Sales of medals and coins sets…62,773
Army 15,609 +448 (From w/e 02/18/18)
Navy 12,223 +59
Air Force 12,495 +698
Marines 12,631 +324
Coast Guard 9,815 +250
Total sales this week 1,779 @ $99.95 = $177,811.05
Total sale revenue for just the Medal and Proof coin 62,773 @ $99.95 = $6,274,161.35
A VERY Successful Financial Gimmick for the Mint.
I still see a LOT of cancellations and/or returns at the appropriate time…
Darek says
Tom,
If they make new batch of 2017 Buffaloes, they will loose many customers.
Last day of making 2017 coins was supposed to be last day of December, and the last batch was made at the last minute. If they break this rule, I am going to return my Buffalo, I will just buy remaining P pucks and I will be done with them.
TomP. in Va says
One can be added to the Army WW1 set. I phoned my order the last available day of the 20th and completed the order with 3 minutes to spare before the 3PM cutoff (I checked in again online at 3:30 and the listings were gone). I must have been hoping to get the highly coveted last sold label. Right. Ok, maybe I can benefit from the FILO rule.