Christopher Columbus
| birth | 1451 in Genoa, Italy |  |
|---|---|---|
| death | 5/20/1506 in Valladolid, Spain | |
| parents | Domenico Colombo and Susanna Fontanarossa |
This medal was issued to commemorate the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago 1893.
The obverse bears bust of Columbus left. Around to left and right, CHRISTOPHER - COLUMBUS; signed under truncated arm, LEA AHLBORN
The reverse bears a Spanish explorer in full armor holding sword and flag on left, facing two natives on right; ships anchored in background. In exergue, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS LANDING AND / TAKING POSSESSION OF THE ISLAND / WHICH HE NAMED SAN SALVADOR / OCT. 12TH 1492; signed at bottom left, LEA AHLBORN
The medal measures 51mm in diameter and was struck by the Royal Swedish Mint in bronze.
This is the 9th medal issued by the American Numismatic Society.
The obverse bears bust of Columbus l. wearing cap. Around, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS GAVE A NEW WORLD TO HUMANITY / + ; signed below truncation, TIFFANY & CO. N.Y.
The reverse bears wreath around circumference with ANS seal at 4:30. In center field, AFTER / FOUR HUNDRED / YEARS OF PROGRESS / FREE AMERICA / HONORS ITS / DISCOVERER
The circular medal measures 77mm in diameter and was produced by Tiffany and Company of New York City. The mintage for this medal is unknown.
Moss also made this medal for the ANS competition in 1991. She included many elements from the earlier "Dark black hoop around the world" medal in this design but gave them more prominence. While the earlier medal was just a design, this medal was cast and one copy of it is in a European Museum collection (further research needed).
This is the 57th medal issued by the American Numismatic Society.
The obverse bears one of Columbus' ships breaking the surface of stylize, raised globe. At left, 1492; below, in script, Voyage of Columbus; signed at right, M D
The reverse bears an American Eagle hovering over incuse stylized globe. At right, 1992; below, in script, The American Numismatic Society
Despite this medal's strong visual appeal sales were disappointing. By 1992, Columbus' transformation from an admired explorer to a symbol of European imperialism was well under way. Public interest in the 500th anniversary of his voyage proved to be fickle.
The irregular squarish medal measures 68mm x 68mm and was struck by J. Jenkins Sons, Baltimore. A total of 2 gold, 100 silver and 500 bronze pieces were produced.