Jason M. writes: My mom brought over a Thomas Edison fifty year commemorative brass coin that my dad had saved. It is slightly larger than a quarter. Here are the details:
Obverse:
top: “Lights Golden Jubilee”
picture:Â
bottom: Thomas A Edison”
Reverse:
top: “Dedicated to better vision”
picture:Â
bottom: “1879 to 1929”
Any idea what this is, why it was minted, or what it’s worth?Â
Thanks!
There seems to be quite a lot of medals honoring Thomas A. Edison in 1929. It appears the 50th year anniversary of the incandescent lamp didn’t go unnoticed around the world. Edison was quite a prodigy inventor. He was responsible for more than 700 electrical inventions including the phonograph as well as the light bub.
I’m not familiar with this particular piece, but generally the small size ones go for around $25 or so. You might try looking at the edge to see the minter. Medallic Art Co. pieces from this era are popular.
I am familiar with a 1929 Argentine Medal that was minted for the same reason and shows up in auctions every once in a while. This is a large piece 71.3mm, that is almost 3 inches in diameter and is very artistic. It shows a bust of Edison facing half left and on the reverse, a nude female figure holding an electric light soaring above a nude male figure who has just dropped his torch. Quite a interesting and spectacular design. Value: about $150.
