NUMISMATICS AND RIOTS Publique Deposited
The E-Sylum: Volume 7, Number 17, April 25, 2004, Article 17
NUMISMATICS AND RIOTS
We've had some more responses to our quiz question about
numismatics and riots. John Burns had written: "Off the top of
my head I seem to recall a medal struck for the Haymarket
riot in 1893. Also, I recall that it was a relic medal in having
a piece of shrapnel from a bomb embedded in it."In response, Tom DeLorey writes: "These do exist. The last
time we had one in stock (many years ago), I tested the
embedment with a magnet. It was magnetic, for what that is
worth."Larry Dziubek writes: "In connection with previous
discussion: Here is a relic-medal that ties into history,
economics, and numismatics. I just discovered a book titled
1877- Year of Violence by Robert V. Bruce, 1970 that may
show the reasons for the riots. This was a period of serious
economic depression nationwide.At a location within walking distance of the upcoming 2004
American Numismatic Association convention in August is
the site of the most serious destruction. The Pennsylvania.
National Guard was finally called in from Philadelphia after
many trains were looted and burned at the P.R.R. yards.
Many were killed under martial law, and in earlier turmoil.I purchased the relic medal on eBay a couple years ago.
It is a brass planchet about the size of a half dollar. The
following lettering is punched thereon:FROM BURNT BELL OF / ENG. / 415 / P. R. R. //
RIOT AT PITTSBURG / 104 / ENGINES / DEST.D / 7.22.77I don't know how many were made, and in fact this is the
only reference to the event that I have seen other than in
newsprint."- 2004-04-25
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