The obverse of the medal depicts two female figures above the date MCMIV (1904). The tall taller figure is Columbia, with her arms spread wide holding the United States flag. The youthful maiden at her side represents the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Emblematic of her reception into the union, the maiden is divesting herself of the cloak of France, the material decorated with bees, the emblem of Napoleon. In the background is the rising sun, marking the dawn of a new era of progress to the nation. Encircling the two figures are the words "Universal Exposition - Saint Louis - United States of America." The reverse shows an architectural tablet inscribed with "Silver Medal" and "Louisiana Purchase Exposition". Below the tablet are two dolphins symbolizing the nations' eastern and western boundaries, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Above the tablet is a large eagle with its wings spread. The inscription reads "Silver Medal Louisiana Purchase Exposition 1904". The inscription on the tablet noting the award as "silver medal," is merely descriptive and does not refer to the type of metal used. The medal is actually minted from a bronze alloy first referred to as "government bronze". The medal weighs approximately 3.5 ounces.