R. C. writes: My husband’s Great-Grandfather was awarded a coin type award from the Cincinnati Industrial Exposition dated 1874. It is engraved “Awarded To J. H. Hunt, M.D. For Collection of Land Shells. Around the perimeter of the back of the coin it says. Board Of Trade*Chamber of Commerce*Ohio Mechanics Institute. It appears to be made of silver. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Your medal from the Cincinnati Industrial Exposition in 1874 is something to be proud of. Expositions were the 19th Century version of a science fair and many people competed to win medals in various categories. Though I’ve never heard of an award at these expositions for a display of Land Shells (is that sea shells that were found on land? ‘Could be from digs where the sea shells are found under the ground), awards such as these are certainly collectable and often show up in exonumia auctions. They usually come in bronze, white metal, silver and gold.
Though the monetary value of the medal is fleeting the connection to your great-great grandfather is priceless. Enjoy…