GUATEMALA. Central American Exposition Gold Medal, 1897. NGC AU Details--Obverse Scratch. Weight: 20.07 gms. By M. Ayala. Obverse: Bust of President Jose Maria Reina Barrios left; Reverse: Distant view of city landscape with mountains in background. A VERY RARE medal struck to commemorate the Central American Exposition that took place in Guatemala. The only example we have seen.Conceived with the intention of showcasing a completed interoceanic railroad, the project was ultimately left unfinished when the price of coffee, the countrys primary export, plummeted leaving the government under-funded. The impending crisis resulted in several attempted rebellions, which ultimately resulted in the assassination of President Barrios on February 8, 1898.</em> Ex: John I. Walter Collection.
