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 / 7.22.77

  I 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."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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