Absolutely Gorgeous Medal by Pagliaghi at the World's Columbian Expo

There is little argument that this portrait of Columbus is one of the most beautiful WCE medals.

This specific die has been used on multiple medals with very minor changes in a couple of instances. In this case the medal measures 44 mm and does not have the reverse many people are used to, and we should say spoiled by, as it is one of the most iconic medallic scenes on any Columbian medal.

This medal has a unique and very different reverse than I have seen on any Pagliaghi medal. I'm not quite sure how to describe the artwork on the medal, but you can see and digest it yourself looking at the accompanying photo. I would speculate that the overall design includes two mythical creatures adjacent to a crown-topped shield. I am sure that there is far more to the design.

I believe the die sinker or publisher of this medal was Stafano Johnson but the actual artwork was done by Pagliaghi. I've simply referred to ALL of the medals featuring this portrait of Columbus as the Pagliaghi medals.

There are so so many likenesses of Columbus on different medals or in books that I do not know which bust of Columbus is considered the most accurate as only two portraits are known to have been painted during his lifetime. I don't know if this Pagliaghi portrait or perhaps the portrait on the commemorative half dollar are considered the truest likenesses of Columbus.

This obverse image as seen on several Columbian medals is identical here, but featuring a very nice Genova reverse. The WCE version, uncirculated and undamaged as here, should sell for $300-$350 although I have seen several go for even more in the last two years.

So what about the Genova reverse? I think that many collectors would be interested but not willing to pay the price for what they consider a secondary medal. But it also is an even rarer medal. How would I appraise this? I did some basic research to confirm this is the Genova seal or coat of arms, which it is.

No one could dispsute the outstanding quality but how should a rarer Genova reverse be priced? I would think that the quality and rarity on this medal would overcome any objections that might be raised since this reverse is different. Many collectors fall into this conservative trap rather fearing overpaying for an unknown obv-rev combination. I took a different approach and that is why you see it here. I believe its value to be comparable to the original medal. But I am not asking that much, as throughout this sale I have opted for offering customers the hopportunity to purchase ALL of the Columbiana here at a signifcantly lower price, generally 20% BELOW typical asking price.

I think this medal is outstanding and underpriced. I'll see if any of you agree.