103309 | UNITED STATES & ITALY. Columbus/"Civilization" white metal Medal.

103309  |  UNITED STATES & ITALY. Christopher Columbus/"Civilization" oxidized white metal Medal. Issued 1892 for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America (102mm, 385 g, 12h). By Ludovico Pogliaghi & Angelo Cappuccio for Stefano Johnson in Milano.

 

Central medallion reading CRISTOFORO COLOMBO and with robed bust facing slightly left; around, native princess and Columbia clasping outstretched arms; above, globe focused upon the Western hemisphere; below, eagle perched slightly left, head upturned right, with wings spread; all over wreath composed of palm fronds and laurel branches // 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: A few light marks, otherwise plain.

 

Eglit 106; Starlust ST-eg-106wm; Rulau B10. Choice About Uncirculated. A few light scuffs and stains scattered about, with some light rub upon the high points, but solid overall brilliance remaining among the protected areas.

 

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 this case, the so-called "Civilization" medal was produced commemorating the quatercentenary in Italy by the highly-accomplished medal manufacturer, Stefano Johnson in Milano, and features tremendous relief and intricacy—especially upon its obverse. Rulau mentions that "...this medal is generally considered to be the most beautiful of all Columbian medals." He also writes that "...the Columbus head apparently is an amalgam of design concepts from the Capriolo engraving, Yanez, and Rincon portraits, adapted by Pogliaghi," and that "...a spokesman for Stefano Johnson S.p.a. stated: 'It has received ecominum beyond expectation, being pronounced by the artistic world 'of marvelous art, rare artistic work and perfect in execution.'" That point is fully realized in this exceptionally impressive, ultra-large format.

 

Upload: 2 September 2025.