AI FROM THE INTERNET:

  • This is a bronze souvenir medal from the 1885 Antwerp World's Fair (Exposition Universelle d'Anvers).
  • It was designed by the Belgian engraver Léopold Wiener.
  • The obverse features the main entrance arch of the exposition, with "1885" inscribed at the bottom.
  • Typically, these medals are approximately 30 mm in diameter and weigh around 10 grams.
  • Detailed Design Breakdowns
    Obverse Design (The Face Shown)
    • Central Image: The engraving showcases the intricate main entrance pavilion and monumental archway built for the world's fair. It reflects classic late-19th-century Beaux-Arts and eclectic exhibition architecture, featuring twin flanking towers, ornamental statuary on the cornices, and a globe structure dominating the central roofline.
    • Inscriptions: The peripheral legend reads "EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE D'ANVERS" in French (translating to "Antwerp Universal Exposition").
    • The Base: The exergue clearly stamps the year "1885" below the grand entrance gate.
    • Border: A distinct beaded rim design (grenetis) encircles the outer edge.
    Reverse Design (Opposite Side)
    • Allegory of the River Scheldt: The reverse side depicts a classical mythological scene featuring the God of the Scheldt (the primary river running through Antwerp) reclining against a flowing urn.
    • Symbols of Wealth: He holds a horn of plenty (cornucopia) in his hand, an anchor sits at his feet to represent Antwerp's maritime power, and a fortified citadel looms in the background.
    • Markings: The bottom area states the city name in Flemish, "ANTWERPEN", and officially carries the signature mark of the engraver, "LEOP. WIENER".
    Technical Specifications
    • Designer: Léopold Wiener (1823–1891), an incredibly prominent Belgian sculptor and Chief Engraver to the Royal Mint of Belgium.
    • Composition: Primarily Bronze (or pure copper versions), which has aged over time to produce a deep chocolate-brown patina.
    • Dimensions: It features a diameter of roughly 30.3 mm to 30.5 mm and a physical thickness that gives it an official weight right around 10 grams.
    • Edge Finish: Plain and completely smooth.
    🌍 Historical Context
    • The Event: The Exposition Internationale d'Anvers took place between May 2 and November 2, 1885. It spanned 54.3 acres, brought in over 3.5 million visitors, and hosted 25 officially participating countries, including the United States, Great Britain, and Germany.
    • Royal Significance: The fair celebrated the 20th anniversary of King Leopold II's accession to the Belgian throne. Crucially, 1885 was the exact same year Leopold II established the Congo Free State, marking this particular fair as the very first to ever feature a controversial "Congolese Village" exhibition.
    • Purpose: This specific 30 mm piece was not legal currency. Instead, it was minted directly as a souvenir token sold to tourists and fairgoers to commemorate their visit to the grand exhibition grounds.

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    SandyThe product is a 30.3mm bronze medal from Belgium, minted for the Exposition Universelle d'Anvers in 1885. This uncirculated medal is a collector's item representing the historical significance of the world's fair held in Antwerp during that time. Made in Belgium, this bronze medal showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of medal production in the late 19th century, making it a valuable addition to any numismatic collection focusing on Belgian coins and medals.