Museum Collections
Luce Center
Medal: World's Columbian Exposition 1492-1892...Chicago
Object Number:
INV.3686
Date:
1893
Medium:
Aluminum, paper, plastic
Dimensions:
diameter: 2 in. ( 5.1 cm )
Description:
Two struck aluminum medals with obverse showing Christopher Columbus' clothed bust surrounded by legend: "WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION/CHICAGO", with dates flanking the bust: "1492 1892" and inscription "COLUMBUS" at center below bust. Both pieces have laminated paper inserts on reverse with inscription at right: "WORLD'S COLUMBIAN/EXPOSITION/CHICAGO/ADMIT THE BEARER/1ST MAY TO 30TH OCT. 1893." On center left of reverse, one has Abraham Lincoln's bust-length portrait with number "9605" below; the other medal's insert has Columbus' head facing right with number "8656" below.
Gallery Label:
These souvenir medals served as admission tickets to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.