Medals of 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition

The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition was a world’s fair held in Seattle that marked a period of prosperity and potential. It was a showcase of cultural diversity, technological advancement, and economic promise in the wake of the Klondike Gold Rush. The medals from this exposition are not just collector’s items; they are historical emblems that reflect the themes of discovery and American ingenuity.

The Design of the Award Medals

The obverse of the Award medal from the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition presents a rich allegorical scene full of symbolism and artistry. At the center stands a classical female figure, likely representing the personification of the exposition itself or perhaps Columbia, a historical figure symbolizing America. She is adorned in flowing drapery and extends her arms outwards, suggesting a welcoming gesture or the act of presentation.

To her right, there is a male figure representative of an explorer or prospector, paying homage to the pioneering spirit of the Yukon and Alaska regions during the gold rush. He holds a pickaxe, a tool emblematic of mining and exploration. To her left is a second male figure, possibly indicative of commerce or agriculture, holding what appears to be a cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

In the foreground, a seated Native American figure is depicted, which could represent the indigenous heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The backdrop features an expansive landscape, hinting at the vastness of the territories involved in the exposition.

Above the figures, the inscription “ALASKA-YUKON-PACIFIC EXPOSITION” arches, with the dates “1909 – 1905” below, likely referring to the span between the initial planning stages and the exposition’s opening. At the bottom, “SEATTLE,” the host city, anchors the composition.

The medals for this 1909 Exposition is exactly the same size and design medal for all other award medals, it is just inscribed either GRAND PRIZE, GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE MEDAL on a plate of the reverse of the medal. There was an Honorable Mention category but not sure there was a medal for that. Haven’t been able to find a total medal count but this from the California Report: “To win gold medals or higher on half the entries is considered a remarkable record, and yet out of the total of 800 at Seattle, 90 were grand prizes, an award only made in case of extraordinary excellence, 414 were gold medals, 155 silver medals, 108 bronze medals and 33 honorable mentions.”

Reportedly the medals could have been struck in actual Gold but only at the winner’s expense. Most were bronze and gold plated or sliver plated or left bronze. The artistry of the medal reflects the ambitions of the era and the spirit of progress that characterized the early 20th century in the United States.

Examples of Gold, Silver and Bronze Award Medals