Related institution Metropolitan Insurance Company (founded 1868)

Souvenir token

1939

Brass

Overall: 1/16 in. × 1 1/4 in. (0.2 × 3.2 cm)

2023.35.2

The 1939 World's Fair, held in Flushing Meadow's Park, Queens, was the brainchild of New York City businessmen who envisioned the international exposition as a remedy to the city's Depression-era economy. The fair opened on April 30, 1939, the 150th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration as president of the United States. Organizers hoped it would bring together a worldwide community of visitors interested in learning about new technologies and a multiplicity of cultures and customs. One of the largest expositions ever assembled, the fair attracted more than 44 million visitors. Participants included thirty-six countries and numerous corporations, whose exhibitions displayed modernist technology, art, design, and architectural and technological innovations. A variety of new goods were introduced at the exhibition, including colored film, dishwashers, flourescent lightbulbs, and nylon stockings. The items offered here were among the many souvenirs available to visitors. According to a period New York Times article, 900 vendors offered 12,000 designs and 26,000 different products, ranging from "lollipops to pianos." The bracelet, tokens, and Bakelite pin medallion are all examples of some of the more popular items purchased by visitors. F.J. Stokes, the maker of the stick pin medallion, invented a stamping machine that manufactured medical tablets in 1896. By the 1930s, the firm was manufacturing numerous types of stamped products, including this Bakelite stick pin medallion. Most surviving Bakelite pins from the fair have been separated from their fasteners. New-York Historical’s museum and library collections both hold collections of artifacts and documents related to the 1939 World’s Fair, including: banners (1939.277-.278; 1940.254), pennants (1940.255-.256), ashtrays (1940.472; 2006.7.1; 2020.38.3), kerchiefs (1941.293 and 1941.383); ribbons, medals, salt and pepper shakers (2001.1.1928), cufflinks (2006.28.1ab), a Bakelite clock (2009.20), souvenir spoons, a shoe brush (2018.56.3), ticket books, and canes with seats (2001.1.3194). These artifacts will enhance that collection.

DescriptionCircular brass tokens, each with images of the Trylon and Perishere monuments stamped in relief on obverse, and inscribed: “METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE EXHIBIT / NEW YORK / WORLD’S FAIR / 1940”. Reverse displays image of Metropolitan Life Insurance building stamped in relief, and inscribed: “THE LIGHT THAT NEVER FAILS” and “METROPOLITAN / LIFE INSURANCE / COMPANY”.

ClassificationsCOINS & TOKENS