The uniface medal bears a massive steam shovel in a strip mine, loaded bucket at left. Around, PEABODY COAL COMPANY · BUCYRUS · ERIE COMPANY / · FOR THE FUTURE OF COAL ·
Neither of the two commemorated companies exist anymore. Peabody Coal filed for bankruptcy in 2016 and Bucyrus Erie, a company that was heavily into coal equipment and mining, was acquired by Caterpillar in 1997.
With the advent of Global Warming concerns, coal production and use in the U.S. came under heavy regulation, until it became unprofitable for many companies during the Obama administration. This medal is a great memento of a bygone industrial period.
The circular medal measures 75.8mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1962-040