Is H-30-280 Louisiana Purchase Expo A SC$1 ??? 0

[Nancy P White]

I purchased a 1904 H-30-280 Bronze America Welcomes The World Louisiana Expo Medal . The Obverse Is Very Beautiful With The 4 Women Leaving Offerings On A Stone Plinth . I noticed in the collectors society examples it is noted as a Bronze SC$1 . 

Is this Medal a SC$1 and why was it minted in France ...Thank you to anyone who can help me

Edited February 25, 2018 by Nancy P White

[John5123]

First let's talk about the medal and then why it was minted at the Paris Mint. Obverse: 4 allegorical female figures representing different cultures. You can see from their facial features and dress that from left to right they represent Europe, Asia (Burmese/Indian Figure), Africa, and Americas (Native American). Each bears a gift to be laid on the alter of Justice (the scales) and Cooperation (the shaking hands). Europe brings a book (knowledge), Asia brings spices, Africa brings animal hides, and America brings corn (food). In the background center is the Tree of Life. In the back to left the end of a wagon and to right the front of a sailing ship each representing commerce. To the left "DePaulis" (the designer) and the letter "F" standing for Fecit which in Latin means "he made it". Reverse: the words "St Louis 1904 America Welcomes the World". In small letters to the left is a cornucopia which is the mint mark of the Paris Mint. Next to the mint mark is the word "Bronze". Now for the reason it was made in France. The Obverse design was used on the medal for the Paris Exhibition of 1900 and it was struck at the Paris Mint. The Obverse was muled with a new reverse referring to the Saint Louis Fair. Since the Paris Mint owned and had the dies, the 1904 medal was struck there and shipped to the USA. Hope this helps. John5123

[Conder101]

It would also make sense that France would strike a medal for the exposition as it was celebrating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase which was purchased from....France.

[John5123]

With regards to the question about H-30-280 being a SC$1. Go to NGC Census and click down on U.S. Tokens & Medals. Each of the reference tabs are for a book written by an author/collector at some time that cataloged a registry of exuminia. In  row six you will see So-Called Dollars by Hibler & Kappen. Technically only the medals in their book are SC$1 (NGC's designation for so-called dollars).  Your 1904 H-30-280 is cataloged by Robert Hendershott in a 1994 book entitled "The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair - The Louisiana Purchase Exposition: Mementos and Memorabilia". The click through in row 5 has a picture of the reverse of your medal.