Medals of this event, the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark expositions are known inscribed GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE, terms specifying the level of recognition, not the metal it is made of.. The GOLD medal for this 1909 Exposition is exactly the same size and design medal, it is just inscribed either GOLD MEDAL SILVER MEDAL or BRONZE MEDAL on a plate of the reverse of the medal. 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.
Gold Award Medal 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition
Approximately 3 in. (76 mm) diameter. This is a gorgeous medal with a seated allegorical female figure with an olive branch in one hand and a plaque of Washington in the other. She is flanked by two men that appear to be miners or prospectors or pioneers as well as a Native American in a canoe. In the background is a steamer type of ship and a rising sun. Near the edge is the text: Alaskan Yukon Pacific Exposition 1909 Seattle 1909. Just below and to the left of one of the miner’s feet is F. Ziegler.
Gold Award Medal 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition
The reverse side has an ornate floral wreath with an inscription plaque. At the 6:00 position is: The Gorham Co. GOLD MEDAL is label on the plate.
Silver Award Medal 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition
This silver award medal is made in bronze. Were there silver plated or even solid silver medals. Possible, if medal winner wanted to pay of it.
Silver Award Medal 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition
Reverse of the silver award medal. Made in bronze but plate labelled SILVER MEDAL.
Bronze Award Medal 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition – would look just like the medal above except the reverse would be labelled BRONZE MEDAL.
Official Medal of the 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Expo- silver medal, HK-353, AYPE
This is the Official medal made in silver. The same medal was also made in bronze.
Official Medal of the 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Expo- silver medal, HK-353, AYPE
Reverse side of the Official medal in sliver. Around rim is THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE.