New York Committee of 100 Celebration Prior To Opening of the World's Columbian Expo

New York and Chicago politicians and civic leaders battled bitterly for the right to hold the World's columbian Exposition. Congress decided the issue and selected Chicago, shocking the New Yorkers who were convinced they would win the competition.

New York argued that it had a ready made site--Central Park, as well as more hotels, an ocean port and more. But Chicago countered each claim with a stronger one of their own.

Chicago was on borad with the final selection--eventually. And New Yorkers were placated to degree, holding a major marine festival with U.S. and foreign vessels in a naval parade. The Committee of 100 was the NY Civic leaders responsible for the events preliminary to the actual Expo in Chicago.

This large medal (substantially bigger than a silver dollar) was very unusual as it seemed to illustrate the world as flat. The medal is a bit darker than shown here as the flas lightened the image somewhat.

This is a wonderful medal that belongs in every Columbian collection. I remember "discovering" the medal in about 1979 when I had just become aware of the WCE.

Rare very low price, below wholesale and much lower than than any one could find for sale retail.