The reverse of Hayden’s presentation medal . [Image from John McInnis Auctioneers.]
Lot 10 is a 14-karat gold presentation medal awarded to architect Sophia Hayden for her design of the Woman’s Building.
An inscription on the obverse reads “Sophia G. Hayden–Presented by the Board of Lady Managers of the Worlds Columbian Commission 1893” with an image of her building. On the reverse is a portrait of Bertha Palmer, Director of the Board of Lady Managers. The medal design is by Theodore B. Starr. Also in the lot are four letters and three photographs relating to Sophia Hayden and her design of the Woman’s Building.
In one hand-written letter dated December 23, 1891, Chief of Construction Daniel Burnham provides an update to Hayden on construction progress. The Woman’s Building was one of the first of the White City’s great building to be erected, with construction beginning in July of 1891 and work nearing completion when this letter was written.
The Hayden lot has a sale estimate of $2,500 – $5,000.
UPDATE: The lot sold for $16,000.
The obverse of Hayden’s presentation medal . [Image from John McInnis Auctioneers.]