(1893) Medal SH-6-35 Al, Pierced World's Columbian Expo

Coin Details

Description

This 1893 aluminum medal, cataloged as SH-6-35, is a pierced World's Columbian Exposition souvenir. The "SH" catalog reference indicates this piece is documented in a different reference system than the Eglit catalog — the Schenkman or similar specialized WCE medal reference. The pierced format means the medal has a hole punched through it, either at the time of manufacture or shortly afterward, to allow it to be worn as a pendant, attached to a watch chain, or strung on a ribbon for display. Pierced medals were a common category of exposition souvenirs, designed to be worn rather than merely carried or displayed. The piercing transformed a static medal into a wearable badge of attendance, allowing fairgoers to advertise their visit to the Columbian Exposition to family, friends, and neighbors back home. Some pierced medals were manufactured with the hole already punched, while others were pierced at the purchaser's request using simple hand tools available at souvenir booths. The aluminum composition of SH-6-35 made it particularly suitable for wearing, as the lightweight metal would not pull uncomfortably on clothing or a watch chain. The combination of pierced format and aluminum composition identifies this as a practical wearable souvenir — one of the humblest categories of WCE memorabilia but also one of the most personal and evocative.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce pierced aluminum medal. Pierced medals are a subset of WCE souvenirs that may be undervalued relative to their rarity, as collectors sometimes avoid pierced pieces in favor of unpierced examples. The SH catalog reference adds specialist interest.

Cross References

SH-6-35; PCGS #946872; pierced aluminum medal