Sale Ended

Olevian Numismatic Rarities

1893 World's Columbian Exposition of Chicago // PMG Certified Mint State Condition // Set of 4 Admission Tickets

Sold Out
Login for Price


Product Description

The World's Columbian Exposition was a World's Fair held in Chicago from May 1st to October 30th, 1893 which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival to the New World in 1492. The centerpiece of the Fair was a large water pool representing the historic trans-Atlantic voyage that Columbus endured with his crew. This exposition was an influential social and cultural event that had a profound effect on architecture, sanitation, the arts, Chicago's self-image, and American industrial optimism.

The fair followed traditional Beaux-Arts principles of design based on symmetry, balance, and splendor. The exposition covered 690 acres featuring nearly 200 new, but temporary, buildings of predominantly neoclassical architecture, canals and lagoons, and people and cultures from 46 countries. Other notable attractions included the original Ferris Wheel, life-sized reproductions of Columbus’ three ships, and the first moving walkway, called a “travelator.”

More than 27 million people attended the exposition during its six-month run. Built at the height of the Gilded Age with a scale and grandeur that far exceeded other world's fairs, it became a symbol of the emerging concept of American Exceptionalism. On October 9th, 1893, the day designated as Chicago Day, the fair set a world record for outdoor event attendance, drawing over 750,000 people.

Access to the fair required admission tickets that could be purchased in advance or on the day of admission. The colorful and elaborate tickets available for advanced purchase were printed by the American Bank Note Company, which also produced United States paper money of that era. They included four general admission tickets with portraits of Christopher Columbus, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and an American Indian Chief, as well as two specialty tickets for complimentary entrance and music, which depicted Benjamin Franklin and George Handel, respectively.

All redeemed tickets were cancelled by a mutilating machine at one of the fair’s 326 entrance turnstiles. The choice few that remain were either never issued or not redeemed. Offered here is a 4-piece set of 1893 Columbian Exposition advance purchase admission tickets that were never redeemed and maintained in an exceptional state of preservation for over 125 years. You will receive the unique set of tickets shown in the photos accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Product Details
  • Measurements
    5"L x 4"W x 1"H
  • OriginUnited States

— Type: Columbian Exposition Admission Tickets
— Variety: Advance Purchase
— Date: 1893
— Dimensions: 4 inches x 2.5 inches – 6 inches x 2 inches

Please Note: You will receive the exact item(s) shown in the photos

Shipping Information
  • Shipping Availability
    United States
  • Shipping Policy
    Discounted Shipping
  • Discounted Shipping
    $15.95 first item / $15.95 each additional
  • Ship In
    3-4 weeks
  • Return Policy
    Final sale, not eligible for return or cancellation

The sale has ended for this item, but check out our other amazing sales.
NEW SALES
You're qualified for .
Would you like to add the current item to your cart? When you’re ready to buy, just select Affirm at checkout.
Please wait while we set up Affirm.