1883 Southern Exposition

Louisville, Kentucky

Expositions became popular as a means to promote Southern economic centers as they sought to recover from the consequences of conflict and defeat. Unlike Atlanta and Nashville, Louisville was not damaged during the Civil War. The major innovation feature was electricity. Louisville’s Southern Exposition was the first major event in the world, completely lit by light inside and out. Three so-called dollar was struck for this exposition. The details are cataloged in my 2023 book So-Called Dollars Volume I: United States Expositions. Click on the “View All” link below to see them.

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So-Called Dollars Category SH 3-61:

Southern Exposition Official Medal

1883 · SH 3-61 WM · White Metal

The main exposition building adorns the obverse. Reverse legend states the exposition opens August 1st…

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Southern Exposition Trefoil SCD

1883 · SH 3-62 BZ · Bronze

Although unsigned, the Liberty head obverse appears on the other so-called dollars signed E.A.K., for…

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Southern Exposition United We Stand SCD

1883 · SH 3-63 G · Gold

Struck in gold with two men shaking hands, likely representing the North and the South,…

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