1901-1902 Charleston, South Carolina Interstate and West-Indian Exposition Award Medal. Gold. 63.5 mm. 180.7 grams. Mint State.
An enthroned female figure holding a scepter and a model sailing ship is depicted between two palmetto trees with Fort Sumter in the left background and a view of homes along the East Battery shoreline on the right. Legend SOUTH CAROLINA AND WEST-INDIAN EXPOSITION around the periphery and CHARLESTON S.C. / 1901-2 on a plaque below.
Within a floral wreath is a cartouche inscribed AWARDED TO, and below that, on a smaller plaque, the name of the recipient of the award, HENRY DISSTON & SONS, a well established manufacturer of handsaws from Philadelphia. <strong>Edge:</strong> Lettered GORHAM CO. 24K. Bright yellow gold matte surfaces overall, with some scuffing around the recipients name, as well as some very tiny edge tics and a single light test mark on the edge.<p>A gorgeous and impressive medal, arguably the most attractive issued for a major U.S. exposition, and struck in 24 karat gold. Normally the Gold Award medals from this exposition were struck in bronze and plated with gold for presentation. Apparently in Charleston, like some other expositions, the gold medal winners could have their medals struck in gold if they were willing to pay the value of the metal. It seems the very successful firm of Henry Disston & Sons opted for the prestige of having their 6.3 ounce medal struck from pure gold. This is the only one of these medals struck in gold that we have seen. A rare and significant bidding opportunity.
