Georgia--Atlanta. 1895 Cotton States & International Exposition Medal. Silvered White Metal. 50.5 mm. Choice Mint State.<strong>Obv:</strong> Phoenix rising from the ashes with the dates 1895 above, 1865 below. Inscription RESURGENS / ATLANTA - GA around phoenix, periphery inscribed COTTON STATES AND INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION / SEPT 18TH TO DEC 31ST. <strong>Rev:</strong> View of Exposition site, inscriptions BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF COTTON STATES / AND / INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION / ATLANTA - GA. above and OPENS SEPTEMBER 18TH. / CLOSES DECEMBER 31ST. / 1895 below. This is a simply outstanding Choice example of a scarce medal from a scarce exposition. The field areas are semi-reflective in finish and support satin to softly frosted design elements, the entire package dressed in richly original olive-gray patina that yields to iridescent antique gold, cobalt blue and lilac undertones as the surfaces dip into a light. A collectors informational paper accompanying this lot describes the purpose of this Exposition: "To exhibit resources and possibilities of the Cotton States, to emphasize revival of cotton industry following Civil War, to stimulate trade with Spanish-American countries and to show an Atlanta which had risen from its fires and ashes of 1864."<p>The original circular fitted case is also included, the edges, top and bottom of the red leather exterior with considerable rubbing and scuffing, the band of the lid cracked and torn. The case, however, remains functional. The green plush interior of the base is well preserved, the top of the lid retaining the original informational sticker: MANUFACTURE DE MEDAILLES / ET TABLEAUX - MEDAILLES / MASSONNET & CIE. / G4. FAUBG. ST. DENIS / PARIS. Overall Fine to Very Fine quality for the case. (Total: 2 items)
