Panorama 1901
Electric Tower / Lord's Prayer [Lavin TM01]

Owner Comments:

Among the many Midway concessions at the Pan was a small stand alone building with a sign promoting "The First Coin Machine Used By U.S. Mint." According to a souvenir card from that exhibit, this medal and TM23 were struck on the first steam coinage press used by the U.S. Mint. The advertisement reads: "The souvenirs struck by this press consist of the small 'Lord's Prayer' Medal, and a Pan-American Medal bearing the Electric Tower on one side, and the Beck design, representing the unity of North and South America, on the reverse side. The former is very unique and interesting, as it is the smallest reproduction of the Lord's Prayer ever struck on metal. Both of these medals are made of a fine composition of metals, plated in gold, and make a very attractive souvenir, both as a keepsake and to wear as a charm, many being used for the latter purpose. Prices: Gold Plated $.25; Sterling Silver (Lord's Prayer only) $.35; Solid Gold (14K) $2.50. Historic Coinage Press Co. 612 Prudential Bldg., Buffalo N.Y." I have never seen a 14k specimen of this or TM23. The prospect of differentiating a gilt brass from a possible gold example among all the surviving look-alike candidates is intriguing!

This is the second smallest token from the Fair measuring 13mm in diameter. This diminutive token is often encountered holed on a stick pin. This medal is scarce and appears perhaps 2 to 3 times a year in auction. Unholed examples are available, but choice examples without hole are rare.