Medal commemorating Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) and the discovery of America, 1492

Medal commemorating Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) and the discovery of America, 1492. Obverse: Full-length figure of the discoverer in armour and cloak, head upraised, arms outstretched, stepping ashore; three companions behind (right), one holding a large flag blowing out. In the field (right): 'PLVS VLTRA.' Below this: 'CHRISTOPHER COLVMBVS OCT . XII MCCCCXCII.' Below: reverse, an oblong tablet, inscribed, with ribboned torches as supporters and space for recipient's name; above, a globe supported by Fame (left) blowing a trumpet and History (right) inscribing it; below, port broadside view of a mediaeval ship's hull and lower portion of her sails. Inscription: 'WORLD'S . COLUMBIAN . EXPOSITION IN . COMMEMORATION . OF . THE FOUR . HUNDRETH . ANNIVERSARY OF . THE . LANDING . OF . COLUMBUS MDCCCXCII . MDCCCXCIII . TO' (on tablet) 'HENRY HALL, NACH-FOLGER CARL EICHLER'. Saint-Gaudiens's original design for the reverse featuring a nude youth was rejected see Thayer Tolles 'A Bit of Artistic Idealism: Augustus Saint-Gaudens's World's Columbian Exposition Commemorative Presentation Medal' The American Numismatic Society 1999.

Object Details

ID: MEC2541
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Saint-Gaudens, Augustus; Barber, C. E.
Events: World's Fair: Columbian Exposition, 1893; Exploration: Columbus' First Voyage, 1492-1493
Date made: 1893
People: Columbus, Christopher; Columbus, Christopher Barber, C. E. Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 76 mm