^Lot 1596 Wooden Exonumia Worlds Fair

Documentation relating to the methods of producing wooden medals is rare. Numismatist John W. Hasseltine (1838-1925) in an editorial in January 1876 issue of the American Journal of Numismatics, described the manufacture of the wooden medals for the nation's Centennial: "The (so-called) 'Black Walnut Medals are, it is said, made from wood, cut with the grain, steamed until it assumes a semi-pulpy condition, then coated with shell-lac, and the impression made by a squeeze and not blow." To commemorate the 1876 Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, wooden medals and plaques were produced by the Philadelphia Ornamental Wood Company. Notice of the medal's availability appeared in the October 1875 issue of the "American Journal of Numismatics." John W. Haseltine had "for sale the Centennial Medals, struck in solid walnut: two medals, three inches in diameter, four medals, two and a half in diameter, $1.50 per box." The lot contains (3) 76mm pieces: Obverse of 1) Art Gallery, XF; 2) Main Building, XF; 3) Memorial Hall, fair condition with some checking. Three pieces are 62mm: 4) Independence Hall; 5) Alfed Goshorn, General USIE 1876; 6) General Joseph R. Hawley, President USIE 1876. The February 2012 issue of "The Numismatist" featured an article by Donald G. Tritt about wooden exonumia.