LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Sept Long Beach Tokens & Medals Auction  / 

82232

Elusive Utah Territorial Gold Medal,

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
Elusive Utah Territorial Gold Medal,
<B>Elusive Utah Territorial Gold Medal, Uncirculated.</B></I> 27 mm, 9.3 gm, 14-kt gold. The Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society (D.A.M.S.) was chartered January 17, 1856, by an Act of the Territorial Legislature. The first sponsored exposition was held in Salt Lake City in 1856. Succeeding expositions were held irregularly at various locations. Because of the significant Mormon influence in the Territory of Utah, such fairs were not only instrumental functions of the Church, they were also important to the territory. There was definitely a religious significance, as the timing was planned to coincide with the October general conference of the Mormon Church. Mormon bishops and their counselors acted as agents for the fairs, performing such tasks as membership drives and fund-raising. This particular rare medal, from the D.A.M.S. Territorial Fair of 1890, depicts the date and a beehive on the obverse, a commonly used symbol of the Mormon Church that indicates industry. The hand-engraved reverse awards the medal to (Governor) Arthur L. Thomas for best “Double Team” event. Additionally the names of his team, "Abbie and Affectionate" are inscribed. <BR> Thomas (1851-1924), a native of Chicago and an Episcopalian, was secretary of the Utah Territory from 1879 to 1889 and governor from 1889 to 1893.<BR><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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