The 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Official Souvenir Medal was produced for the 1904 St. Louis fair where the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase was celebrated. These official souvenir medals were struck in various metal compositions including silver, gold, gold-plated bronze, copper, yellow-bronze, bronze and gilt. They were designed by George Morgan and his initial M appears at the base of Jefferson’s shoulder. Approximately 90,000 medals were struck in total at the Mint Exhibit located on the fairgrounds. This example of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Official Souvenir Medal was struck in Silver and is listed as HK-299 in the Hibler-Kappen reference on So-Called Dollars. This 1904 HK-299 Medal has been graded MS63 by NGC and is encapsulated in a newer-style edge-view holder. The medal is moderately toned on both sides in a medium grey color some golden and pink colors, particularly on the reverse fields, and is a bit more colorful in hand than the photos show. There are some light marks on the high points of the obverse which features the busts of Jefferson and Napoleon and the reverse featuring map of the United States and an outline of the Louisiana Purchase is very well struck and free of significant issues. A decent example of this popular so-called dollar with nice and original toning. |