Gold Medals Louisiana Purchase Exposition 1904

Perhaps one of the most prestigious pieces of memorabilia that one could collect would be the metals that were awarded at the fair. Some 39,158 awards were given out, 33,158 of the actual total were real prizes, 6,000 were commemorative. Half of the awards were given to foreign countries. Receiving a medal at an Exposition was and still is something of importance. Case in point Jack Daniels Distillery won a gold medal at the 1904 world's fair and to this day still proclaims that fact on every bottle of Jack Daniels.

The medals were designed by Adolph A. Weinman. The dies, engraving and medals were struck by the US mint in Philadelphia. One side of the medal depicts 2 female figures the tall and stately figure is of Columbia with her arm out to envelope with the United States flag a youthful maiden at her side, who typified the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Emblematic of her reception into the union the youthful maiden is divesting herself of a cloak decorated with bees that were embroidered thereon which was the emblem of Napoleon. In the background is the rising sun, marking the dawn of a new era of progress to the nation. Encircling the two figures are the words "Universal Exposition United States Of America. In the upper left corner of the medal is a wreath with the letters US representing the United States. In the upper right corner of the medal is a wreath with the letters NJ representing Napoleon. In the lower point of the medal is a wreath with a Fleur de lis representing the Louisiana Purchase. On each side of the wreaths are 14 stars representing the 14 territories carved out of the Louisiana Purchase.

The obverse side has the same wreaths and stars in the corners. The center has two dolphins symbolizing our eastern and western boundaries of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Above the dolphins is an eagle with its wings spread from "ocean" to "ocean". The inscription reads "Gold Medal (Silver and Bronze Medals were also given out) Louisiana Purchase Exposition 1904". In addition to the medal a diploma of award was also given to the recipient. The medal weights approximately 3.5 ounces.

 

 

 



Return to main page | Return to map page

What's New || Fair Buildings || Fair Maps || Memorabilia || What's Left || Books In Print

Fair Information || Exhibits & Statues || Newspaper Articles || 1904 World's Fair Society || The Movie || FAQ's


If you have questions or comments regarding the 1904 World's Fair feel free to contact me at
Terry's 1904 World's Fair Page.

 

9-1997