"I cringed when viewing the mechanically rotating GW Indian Peace medal in the British Museum. Instead of using a mirror to exhibit the uniquely engraved reverse, there are multiple metal prongs "stabilizing" this invaluable medal, the prongs contacting and perhaps impairing the medal's periphery & surfaces on both sides as the medal minutely shifts as it rotates. Even if it doesn't shift, there could be periphery dents and flat surface abrasions from the prongs."

"This brings to mind a very expensive 1792 white metal pattern quarter that suffered large rim dents from a slabbing company's stiff stabilizing plastic prongs."

"I wondered about the myself, assuming there must be some unseen soft padding between the piece and the prongs. I'll ask the museum for comments."

"I curated it with a colleague. Nice to see the review – to answer the question of whether the object has been displayed much in the past – it's had limited exposure, mainly because its significance and original context were lost prior to its arrival at the BM in 1825, and not rediscovered until the late-1980s. I would like to see it have more prominence in a future permanent gallery."

That's great news - it's an object of great historical significance. He consulted their technical team about the mount; their answers are below. Thank you! -Editor

Thanks, everyone - great questions and answers. I hope to view this important piece in person someday. Here is piece photographed without the prongs. -Editor