08/01/2026
Awesome find at the Low Country Coin Show today (going in thru Sunday).
This is an official non-athletic award medal from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair (officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition).The medal was designed by renowned American sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, who later created iconic American coins including the Walking Liberty Half Dollar and the Mercury Dime. It was struck by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.
The Obverse (Front): The central imagery features Columbia (representing the United States) on the left with her arms spread wide, enveloping a youthful maiden with the American flag. The maiden represents the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, and she is shown divesting herself of a cloak decorated with bees (the Napoleonic emblem), symbolizing her transition out of French rule and reception into the United States. The inscription reads: UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION SAINT LOUIS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the Roman numerals MCMIV (1904) at the base.
The reverse: A majestic American bald eagle stands with outspread wings, gripping an olive branch of peace and oak leaves representing strength.The Tablet: The text reads SILVER MEDAL · LOUISIANA PURCHASE · EXPOSITION. The spelling of "LOVISIANA" and "PVRCHASE" utilizes classic Latin-style lettering, where the letter "V" replaces "U".The Dolphins: Below the tablet, two dolphins frame an inverted scallop shell. These elements represent the oceans, symbolizing the eastern and western maritime boundaries of the expanding United States.
These were not sold, this is a "silver" medal award (although not made of silver). 11,500 were made and awarded in 1904.
