A recent purchase for my aluminum collection. I select pieces I like as its impossible to collect everything. The exposition palace aluminum medals--so-called dollars--have long been a favorite of mine. I finally acquired a set with the original aluminum "pillbox" case they came in. The set is missing one of the medals (the Cascade Gardens), so I need to find a matching medal to finish the set. The other sets with pillbox that I've seen were dented. I liked the quality of this set and bought it for about $100 or more less than a similar full set would have cost with all five medals. Time will tell if I made the right choice and I find a matching fifth piece for the set.

The medals are brilliant proof quality with some nicks and dings as one might expect for aluminum after 100 years. They were a challenge to photograph. I used axial lighting for a brilliant white image and a second shot with more direct illumination on the coin surface to pick up color. I then overlayed the white image on the color image and desaturated the final shot to pick up all the details and capture the feel of the aluminum surface. It doesn't capture the brilliant finish of the reflective surface, but that's hard to see without the medal in hand. The technique also capture the nicks, scratches, and partial finger print, so it faithfully reproduces the condition of the pieces. Still working on my technique.

The case:



Hibler & Kappen 319



Hibler & Kappen 320



Hibler & Kappen 321



Hibler & Kappen 322a

Absolutely beautiful, Bill!

(sigh). Yet another set i'll have to keep my eyes open for.

These are very interesting indeed. I hadn't a clue as to their existence.

As you say, they are doing exceptionally well for being aluminium.

Excellent pieces. The photo technique is working quite well. Thanks for sharing.

Last March I found a match to complete my set:



Hibler and Kappen 316

The original edition of Hibler and Kappen noted that the above medals were likely struck by Lauer based on another Exhibition Palace medal of a slightly different style signed by Lauer. The new edition deletes that comment and adds additional Exhibition Palace dollars without noting that they too are signed by Lauer. I finally acquired one for my collection and I do not believe the above set was made by Lauer. As you can see, the styles are very different. The Lauer medals are signed in the left hand base of the scenes.



I know you cannot see the signature here, but it is there on both sides. Ead's bridge was not a structure at the fair, it was the first bridge to span the Mississippi at St. Louis. I managed to find a photograph similar to the scene on the medal:



at Bridge Pros.

I know this may be an old post, but it's the only useful info I've found online so far...

My grandfather found 2 of the Cascade Garden coins years ago and has been talking about them for years. I've finally decided to do some research. It's interesting to learn they are part of a collection.

What I'd really like to know is the value of the coins. One has been cleaned, one is still dirty. I know nothing about coins, I just wanted to get some info for my grandfather.

Thanks in advance!

-Jenelle

I would have to see pictures and know if they are aluminum or brass. The full aluminum set in the aluminum case as pictured here would cost around $300 give or take $50 depending on a variety of factors, current demand, etc. An individual piece, if cleaned and or "dirty" meaning a good deal of wear, nicks, scratches, etc--probably $5 to $25. Without pictures, it is really hard to say.

I don't have a picture, I've been communicating with my grandfather over the phone about the coins (which is quite a challenge, being he's 81). I believe they are aluminum. He found them when digging in his garden, so when I say 'dirty', I mean dirty, as in being under ground for an unknown period of time. I haven't even seen the coins myself in over 15 years, so I really can't say what the condition is. He says someone offered him $28 for one years ago, so I'm guessing your estimate is about right. Thanks a lot for the reply. My grandfather will be thrilled to learn about the set and value of his coins - and my family will be thrilled to have him stop telling stories about the 'really old, rare, valuable coins' he found in the garden! Thanks again!!!

I have a California Midwinter Fair medal with the attached watch fob pieces, so I could not resist the same thing for the St. Louis Fair:



For an expanded view.

I would love to see the "Palace of Machinery"

That's a great piece. Wonderful addition to your set.

Neat!