Souvenir Medal with Lucky Penny, 1933

01

Artifact Overview

Chicago's 1933-34 Century of Progress Exposition used the theme of progress to buoy national optimism during the darkest years of the Great Depression. Many fairgoers returned home with mementos, such as this keepsake medal featuring a penny for "good luck."

Artifact Details

Artifact

Medal

Date Made

1933

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

66.143.712

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Aluminum (Metal)
Copper (Metal)

Technique

Casting (Process)

Color

Moderate Reddish Orange
Gray (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 1.375 in
Thickness: 0.125 in

Inscriptions

On front: KEEP ME AND YOU WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK On back: SOUVENIR FROM A CENTURY OF PROGRESS/WORLD'S FAIR CHICAGO-1933 On front of penny: IN GOD WE TRUST/LIBERTY/1932 On back of penny: E PLURIBUS UNUM/ONE CENT/UNITED STATES OF AMERICA