103348 | UNITED STATES & ITALY. Columbus/"Memento" white metal Medal.

103348  |  UNITED STATES & ITALY. Christopher Columbus/"Memento" white metal Medal. Issued 1893 for the Columbian Exposition in Chicago (59mm, 80.87 g, 12h). By Ludovico Pogliaghi & Angelo Cappuccio for Stefano Johnson in Milano.

 

MEMENTO OF THE WORLD'S FAIR / CHICAGO 1893, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, robed bust facing slightly left // 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: Plain.

 

Eglit 105; Starlust ST-eg-105wm; Rulau p. 100 note. Choice Mint State. Highly flashy and radiant in the fields, with some scattered hairlines noted, but great overall contrast between fields and devices.

 

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 quadricentennial in Italy by the highly-accomplished medal manufacturer, Stefano Johnson in Milano. The reverse for the "Civilization" type was then paired the following year with a modified obverse and English inscription used for the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago.

 

Upload: 3 July 2026.