Why do virtually all worn medals have a reverse?

Zoins

I'm curious about how medals were used back in the day.

One thing that struck me as interesting is that many medals are found almost always with a hanger or holed for suspension. Unholed medals can be rare.

If these medals were intended to always be worn, why did they have a reverse?

After being worn, did people keep them on their desks and flip them over often?

Here's an 1886 Albany Bicentennial medal cataloged as HK-601 and Rulau-NY-Ab-4 I just ran across. This is listed as a So-Called Dollar. An interesting thing is that with as many suspended So-Called Dollars there are, I've yet to come across photos of people wearing them! Are there any contemporary photos of people wearing So-Called Dollars?

Photos by bied_tin.

BillJones

I think that was because they did “double duty.” The first three official presidential inaugural medals were holed an suspended on a ribbon. They provided an ID and function badge for the volunteer during the event and a keepsake after it had ended. The first stand alone conventional medal was issued for William McKinley in 1901.

jmlanzaf

Haven't you ever seen a reversible tie?

ricko

Looking closely at the reverse... The beaver collectors will be looking for one of these Cheers, RickO

CaptHenway

To me a two-sided piece is more impressive than a one-sided piece. And it gives you more surface area to commemorate whatever it is you are commemorating.

Zoins

@jmlanzaf said:
Haven't you ever seen a reversible tie?

I don't think the medal in the OP or many other medals can be easily worn reversed

Zoins

@BillJones said:
I think that was because they did “double duty.” The first three official presidential inaugural medals were holed an suspended on a ribbon. They provided an ID and function badge for the volunteer during the event and a keepsake after it had ended. The first stand alone conventional medal was issued for William McKinley in 1901.

I think it's nice to have a reverse. I wonder how many people look at it often but perhaps just a couple of times makes it worthwhile.

Zoins

@ricko said:
Looking closely at the reverse... The beaver collectors will be looking for one of these Cheers, RickO

I'm surprised I haven't seen any of these in beaver threads already!