Ohio Valley Commemorative Medal, 1955, by Geo. C. Richards & Co.

The item is a commemorative medal presented in its original retail display box. The medal itself appears to be crafted from a brass or bronze-toned metal, exhibiting a somewhat worn, antique patina that suggests its age. It is suspended from a tri-color ribbon, featuring vertical stripes of red, white, and blue, reminiscent of the American flag or perhaps a French tricolor. The medal's design is circular with an ornate, possibly scalloped or leaf-like border. The central motif includes what appears to be the word "OHIO VALLEY" curved above a stylized 'SC' or '50' logo within an archway or shield shape, with the year "1955" clearly stamped at the bottom. The details on the medal seem slightly raised, indicating either a铸 or stamped manufacturing process. The ribbon is attached to the medal via a simple loop. The medal and ribbon are housed within a dark blue cardboard box with a hinged lid. The inside cover or the base of the box features decorative white scrollwork along the edges, framing the medal. Printed in white sans-serif text at the bottom of the box interior are the words "GEO. C. RICHARDS & CO." and "LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY", identifying the manufacturer or retailer. The box shows some signs of wear consistent with age, including slight fading or scuffing on the corners and edges. Overall, the item is in good, original condition, retaining its presentation packaging, which adds to its historical integrity and appeal. The craftsmanship of the medal, while not intricate, is indicative of typical commemorative pieces from the mid-20th century.

Upon examining the provided images of this 1955 Ohio Valley Commemorative Medal, my assessment is that it is an authentic mid-century piece in good, original condition. The medal, likely a brass or bronze alloy, displays a natural patina consistent with its age. The maker's mark for Geo. C. Richards & Co. of Louisville, Kentucky, a known manufacturer of such items, further supports its authenticity. The presence of the original tri-color ribbon and, most significantly, the original presentation box, greatly enhances its value. Items of this nature often lose their packaging over time, so retaining the complete set is a considerable asset. Current market conditions for mid-20th-century regional commemorative medals are generally modest unless tied to a major national event or made of precious metals. Comparable medals from similar regional celebrations, when sold without their original box, typically fetch between $10 and $25. However, the inclusion of the original box from Geo. C. Richards & Co. is a significant value driver, appealing to collectors who prioritize completeness and presentation. This elevates the item above more common, loose examples. While the visual evidence strongly suggests authenticity, a definitive conclusion without physical inspection is limited. A full authentication would require in-person examination to confirm the metal composition through non-invasive testing, verify the manufacturing method (casting vs. stamping details), and closely inspect the wear patterns on the medal and box to rule out reproduction. Without such hands-on analysis, this appraisal is based on the visible characteristics which align with genuine period examples.