101657 | UNITED STATES & URUGUAY. Christopher Columbus white metal Medal.

101657  |  UNITED STATES & URUGUAY. Christopher Columbus/Columbian Expo white metal Medal. Issued 1892. Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America and the festivities held in Montevideo (59mm, 78.42 g, 12h). By S. Johnson in Milano.

 

RECUERDO DE LAS FIESTAS COLOMBIANA / MONTEVIDEO 10–14 OCTOBRE 1892, bust of Columbus facing slightly left; CRISTÓBAL COLON / The fruits of Columbus's first voyage: Winged personification of Civilization facing slightly left, head right, surrounded by Genii representing Education, Commerce, and Industry; to lower right, native chief, maiden, and two warriors crouching defensively; at a distance, coastline with the U.S. Capitol before rising sun; around, border comprised of alternating stars and state shields. Edge: Ball clasp attached at the top.

 

Eglit –; Rulau –, though cf. B210 & p. 100. Very rare and interesting.

 

During the lead-up to the quadricentennial of Columbus's initial contact with the New World, numerous medals were designed and struck, both in the United States—in conjunction with the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago—and abroad, sometimes for this event or for similar others. In the case here, an event held in Montevideo. This highly artistic, ornate, and rather idealized aspect of New World contact was issued by the famous Milanese-based manufacturer of medallic art, Stefano Johnson, and is among those considered to be the most attractive throughout the vast series.

 

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