1887 Medal Camp Winfield Al 38mm

Coin Details

Description

This 1887 aluminum medal at 38mm commemorates Camp Winfield, a military encampment or reunion named for General Winfield Scott or another military figure. The aluminum composition is noteworthy for 1887, just one year after the Hall-Heroult process made aluminum commercially affordable. The novelty of aluminum would have made this medal a conversation piece. Military camp and reunion medals were common in the post-Civil War era, when veterans' organizations held regular gatherings. Commemorative medals serve as primary historical documents, recording events and honoring individuals in a format that was often produced closer to the actual occurrence than published histories or official records. Regional and local commemorative medals provide historical documentation of community celebrations, institutional milestones, and civic achievements that may be poorly represented in other primary source material. The 38mm format was standard for wearable commemorative medals.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Early commercial aluminum medal, 1887. Aluminum medals from immediately after the Hall-Heroult process are historically significant.

Cross References

PCGS #923802; Camp Winfield; Aluminum 38mm; 1887