Token - 1904 MO G25C H-61-310, Louisiana Purchase Expo NGC MS66PL

Finest known of this issue in Prooflike!

Here’s an historic—and quite attractive—golden souvenir of the Louisiana Purchase Expo in St. Louis of 1904 to add to your collection. The obverse displays a fleur-de-lis with the initials L, P, E on it (for Louisiana Purchase Exposition), while on the stem is the letter ‘Z’ for numismatist Farran Zerbe. The obverse also presents 10 stars and the date 1904. The reverse shows the legend ‘LOUISIANA GOLD’ above and below, while ‘1/4’ is positioned within a circle. NGC has graded 11 in MS66 Prooflike with none finer.

Advertising note for Farran Zerbe from 1905, depicting him as the "Expo. souvenir man." Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Farran Zerbe secured the position of chief numismatist to the Louisiana Purchase Expo in St. Louis. He was responsible for selling the coins, medals, and tokens produced by the U.S. government, including the gold 25 cent piece offered by AUCM. Under authorizing legislation the entire mintage was sent to the commission led by Zerbe. He and the commission made a profit by selling them at a premium to the public.