What caused this damage on this 1960 bronze US Mint medal?

Goldminers

This has little circular dents? on the obverse, none show on the reverse. What might have caused these? Would it grade, or damage too severe?

ricko

Looks like PMD.....If it were a coin, likely would not grade... not sure about medals. Cheers, RickO

291fifth

It is just a medal that has been handled very roughly over the years. Strictly post mint damage.

Goldminers

Yes, it has a lot of handling damage for sure. Probably was in a real cowboy's pocket and handed out and dropped a few times at the bar for many years.

A total of only 1,000 of these were struck in the US Mint in Philadelphia and then handed out by the Centennial Commission to 960 horse riders (480 in each direction) and about 40 celebrities, who actually participated in the Pony Express re-enactment run of 1960 over 10 days from St. Joseph to Sacramento almost 1,900 miles.

So some of the PMD is just part of history and to be expected and enjoyed for what it is. Actually I like it ungraded as that is the way it has been, and probably can't do much harm handling it at this point.

I was interested in the pits, or dents, as I can't seem to sort out what may have caused them yet?

I am going with mix of #8 and #9 lead shot at a distance of 200 feet with a modified choke.

Hemispherical

“I am going with mix of #8 and #9 lead shot at a distance of 200 feet with a modified choke.”

It’ll give it more character!

Edit for typo.

Goldminers

Something made those really unusual and distinct circular low spots. Maybe ancient aliens had something to do with it.

Commencents

Looks like rub from lots of handling over the years and possible improper storage.

jonathanb

What a shame. One of the rarer US Mint medals from that period.