Owner Comments:
THIS EXAMPLE APPEARS TO BE THE "BRIGHT BRONZE" VARIETY THAT JEFF SHEVLIN TALKS ABOUT IN THE DISCUSSION PAGES ON HIS WEBSITE. THIS MEDAL HAS A VERY STRONG ORANGE HUE TO IT, WHICH LOOKS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE "GOLD BRONZE" OR "ANTIQUE BRONZE" NORMALLY SEEN. I DO NOT SEE SIGNS OF CLEANING ON THIS MEDAL, MAYBE NGC MISTAKES THE COLOR VARIETY AS BEING CLEANED?
JEFF SHEVLIN HAD A BRIGHT BRONZE CHOICE BU UNGRADED EXAMPLE ON HIS WEBSITE THAT HE SOLD FOR $275.00. THIS MEDAL HAD THE SAME ORANGE TONE TO IT AS THIS EXAMPLE DOES.
THE THIRD PICTURE SHOWS THE COLOR VARIETIES OF THE BRONZE HK-400 MEDALS.
Purpose: To celebrate opening of Panama Canal; to commemorate 400th anniversary of discovery of Pacific Ocean; to celebrate rebuilding of San Francisco following 1906 earthquake and fire.
Official Medals authorized by Congress; struck in Mint Exhibit on grounds. Contest conducted for design; $1,000 awarded to winner, Robert Aitken, sculptor. Sold by Department of Official Coins and Medals; Farran Zerbe, chief; Silver (.890 fine) for $1; Bronze and Gilt for 25 cents and 50 cents, respectively.
This official medal celebrates the opening of the Panama Canal. Winged Mercury opens the Canal locks with the ship Argo, the symbol of navigation, passing through the locks. Two females are shown on the reverse representing the two hemispheres entwined around earth holding cornucopias. Designed by Robert Aitken, who also designed the official $50 round gold and $50 octagonal gold PPIE commemorative coins, the medal was authorized by Congress and struck in the U.S. Mint Exhibit at the Exposition.