1901 Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo Award Medal. Gold. 64 mm. 24 karats. By Hermon A. MacNeil. L-TM103. Awarded to Compania Cigarrera Mexicana. MS-63 (NGC).A gorgeous medal by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, who later designed the Standing Liberty quarter, both sides exhibit classic American designs featuring Native Americans and, on the obverse only, a magnificent bison. This specimen awarded to Compania Cigarrera Mexicana, a tobacco company, and highly significant as a rare gold specimen; all other examples of this type that we have offered in recent memory have been in silver, bronze, silvered bronze or gilt bronze. Gorgeous satin surfaces exhibit boldly rendered design elements throughout. Free of all but a few faint handling marks that are more numerous on the obverse, scattered alloy spots on both sides are faint and generally out of the way near the borders. Handsome medium gold patina throughout, this is an impressive and elusive gold medal by one of the preeminent American sculptors of the early 20th century. Desirable for collectors in the fairs and expositions discipline, this type would also serve as an impressive go with in an advanced Standing Liberty quarter set.This lot includes the original leather case as issued by Gorham, manufacturers of the medal. The top of the case exhibits in gold lettering PAN AMERICAN EXPOSITION / 1901 while on the bottom, in the same lettering, GORHAM MANFG. CO. Light scuffs and chips on all sides and edges, a piece of electrical tape has been used to hold the back of the case together. The clasp is fully functional, however, and the plush green interior is well preserved with no blemishes of note. Overall VG to Fine quality. (Total: 2 items)From the J.H. Cline Collection.
