Coins, Historical Medals and Antiquities

JAMAICA, International Exhibition, 1891, a gilt-copper award medal by L.C. Wyon, diademed bust of Victoria left, rev. legend in wreath, un-named, 45mm (Roehrs 1566; cf. Brandon 1027). A few edge nicks, some wear to gilding, otherwise good very fine and rare; housed in a contemporary fitted case £80-£100

The exhibition was the idea of A.C. Sinclair, a native of Jamaica, and was said to be ‘the most extraordinary commercial event in the history of the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies’. It was opened on 27 January 1891 by the 25-year old Prince George (later George V). By the time it closed on 2 May it had received a total of 302,831 visitors. Despite its popularity, the exhibition failed to pay its way and lost some £4,500