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Luce Center

World's Columbian Exposition Souvenir Medal

World's Columbian Exposition Souvenir Medal
Title
World's Columbian Exposition Souvenir Medal
Date 
1893
Medium 
Bronze; carboard, paper, silk
Dimensions 
case: 2 1/8 x 2 1/8 x 5/16 in. ( 5.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 cm ) diameter: 1 15/16 in. ( 5 cm )
Description 
Bronze struck medal with obverse showing three-quarter bust-length portrait of Columbus holding map, surrounded by laurel wreath; legend around border: "CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS/BORN 1456 DIED 1506." Reverse depicts allegorical figures of Columbia and Native American woman pointing toward exhibition grounds in background with rising sun and American eagle holding scroll inscribed: "E PLURIBUS UNUM"; legend around border: "SOUVENIR WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION, CHICAGO, U.S.A. 1892 - 1893"; inscription in exergue: "1492 -892/IV. CENTENNIAL." White square cardboard box with sleeve, blue silk velvet interior.
Credit Line 
Gift of Mr. Ripley Arnold Hanrick
Object Number 
1948.566
Marks 
Inscription: box sleeve, written by donor, in black ink: "Bronze Medal/Souvenir of/World's Fair of/Columbian Ex.-/position, chicago/1893."; other side: "Bought by me/at Spalding's/on State Street/RAK."
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.