This 36mm aluminum Liberty Head medal was designed by the German firm of Wilhelm Mayer. The obverse portrait of Liberty is said to be based on the Liberty portrayed on the Morgan silver dollar. The firm’s initials of WM are just beneath Liberty's neck, while the reverse portrays Columbus'landing at San Salvador.

The Liberty Head was a popular subject for Columbian commemorative medals and appears in various sizes and metals. Sharp and deeply cut, this medal is forged from the newly invented "aluminum" that would would find its way into everything from car fenders to "tin" foil in the next century.

Detail on both sides is near perfect. Even the tiny facial features on the reverse figures are sharp. There are a few faint hairlines in the obverse field otherwise this pleasing medal is without distractions.

Eglit 51A, 36mm

$159.00, plus $4 S/H,

Actual Size

Clean, even dinticles rim this diminutive brass medal. The obverse offers a front bust view of a very young Columbus. A trio of profiles decorates the reverse. The profiles are of Washington, Lincoln, and foremost, Grant. "Father Saviour Defender" is lettered beneath the rim, reflecting the historical roles played by the three presidents.

The aged metal displays a light gold background with flat brown/bronze highlghts. This is Eglit 88. The reason Columbus is depicted on the young side is that there is a brother Eglit catalogued as "89" which shares size and reverse design with this medal, but has a different obverse. 89 is made of what appears to be bronze, and features a mature columbus, thinner of face, and sporting a Van Dyke beard and Edwardian collar. A darkening of some areas in the field is the result of normal oxidation, and wear is minimal. It would be neat to have both versions. Start with this one at a nice price.

Eglit 88, 28mm

$59.00, Plus $4 shipping and handling.

  

 

     Actual Size       

     

Ready to wear! This carefully cleaned medal was minted with a loop at top rim so it could be hung around the neck. Strung with either leather or gold, this quarter-sized--a bit larger--commemorative makes a great gift for anyone who wants to add a touch of history to their dress. The obverse sports a spread eagle. "World's Columbian Esposition" reads the top", and, "Chicago 1893" shows beneath the eagle. The reverse vignette depicts Columbus and his crew, claiming the land with a Spanish flag. Minor rim dings are found to the right of the eagle, along with light pitting. Even wear shows on the medal.With outstanding color contrast, and high conversation content, this eagle-styled medal is priced to fly.

$59.00, Plus $4.00 shipping and handling.