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 TM01) 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 ... 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 or heard rumor of a 14k specimen of this one. The prospect of differentiating a gilt brass from a possible gold example among all the surviving look-alike candidates is intriguing!
An article from The Buffalo News on November 1, 1901, ... The article reads as follows: "The H.A. Meldrum Company announced that they will be closed on the afternoon of Farewell Day, from 1 o'clock, so that all employees may have a last look at the Exposition. To commemorate the day otherwise, the firm will distribute 5000 souvenir medals to Saturday morning customers. These medals are about the size of five-dollar gold pieces. On one side appear the Electric Tower, on the other the Beck design. Aside from their intrinsic worth, the medals are of historic interest. They were struck off by the first coinage machine ever used by the United States mint." A lot of people must have saved this medal as a souvenir as there seems to be many survivors from a small original population. This medal fluctuates in appearances with some times up to 10 offerings a year in auction. This is probably more an R3 than an R4 rarity.
This is a brilliant gem example with swirling luster and is ex Lavin collection.