The 1901-1902 Charleston SC Interstate and West Indian Exposition was a major cultural and commercial event that attracted visitors from all over the world. One of the key features of the exposition was the awarding of medals to individuals and organizations that had made significant contributions to various fields, such as art, science, and industry. These medals were not only a mark of recognition and prestige but also served as a way to promote the exposition and the city of Charleston. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the medals that were awarded during the 1901-1902 Charleston SC Interstate and West Indian Exposition, exploring their design, historical context, and significance. Join us as we delve into the world of these fascinating artifacts and discover the stories behind them.

Medals 1901-1902 Charleston SC Interstate and West Indian Exposition

1200 medals were awarded – 571 gold, 335 silver, and 283 bronze
There are solid bronze, silver, silver-plated, gold and gold-plated specimens. As a collector, I think these are the most beautiful award medals of any expo.

SILVER PLATED BRONZE AWARD MEDAL – 1901-1902 SOUTH CAROLINA INTER-STATE AND INDIAN EXPOSITION

The 64mm medals pictured above is, without a doubt, a masterpiece of the engraver’s art. Issued in 1902 by the South Carolina Interstate and West Indian Exposition, specimens were struck by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in bronze, silver-plated bronze, and gold-washed bronze. The medal features an allegorical figure seated between two palmetto trees, cradling a ship in her left arm and holding a sceptre in her right hand. Depicted to her right is a view of Fort Sumter and, to her left, a scene showing the fine homes on East Battery.

A total of almost 1200 medals were awarded – 571 gold, 335 silver, and 283 bronze – to exhibitors in several divisions. All the medals are marked on the edge with the Gorham hallmark and what type of composition. If a silver medal is marked “bronze” on the edge then it is silver-plated bronze. If it is marked “silver” then it is silver. The Gold medal as was the custom with other expositions, we gold-plated bronze.

The 31 categories for which medals were awarded included: agricultural products, agricultural machinery, live stock, foods and accessories, beverages, horticulture and pomology, forestry, fish and fisheries, mines and metallurgy, gas engines and acetylene generators, electricity and electrical appliances, transportation, ordnance, chemicals, leather, furniture, hardware, jewelry and watches, manufactures and fabrics, graphic arts, paper and stationery, education, photographs, medical and dental instruments, engineering, hygiene and sanitation, constructive architecture, music and musical instruments, oil paintings, installation, and books.

The immediate medal image above and info provided by South Carolina Tokens

FORT SUMTER DOLLAR – 1901-1902 SOUTH CAROLINA INTER-STATE AND INDIAN EXPOSITION.
Obverse: Tall palm tree and village scene within center circle; outside, around South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition.
Reverse: Fort, below Fort Sumter SC — within a wreath of flowers; outside, around 1901 Charleston 1902, below South Carolina.
HK-292 – Silver-plated Copper, rather thin planchet. Weight 32.7 grams, size 32.7mm.

SOUTH CAROLINA A&M SOCIETY AWARD MEDAL. SOUTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL SOCIETY, ND. Lindesmith Unlisted. 4.4mm. Bronze. Peter Krider, Sc. Red and brown Uncirculated.
Medals such as this were awarded at the South Carolina State Fair. After the Civil War, the state agricultural society revived under its present name and held its first post-war fair in 1869. The fair is said to have had a political role through the Reconstruction years, … “as a rallying point for Carolina Democrats opposed to Republican control of the state government. A 1916 history says that the fair was ‘the only bond between the white people of the state’ while they suffered under ‘alien’ Republican rule.”

1901-1902 Charleston
South Carolina Interstate and West Indian Exposition

Exposition Purpose: To advertise city’s port, geographical position and potential for trade with West Indies and Central and South America. Sunken Gardens: A notable feature of the Charleston exposition was the Sunken Gardens, which became a popular attraction and a lasting legacy of the fairgrounds.