The medal's obverse bears bust of Frits Holm, facing right. Around, FRITS - HOLM; signed at bottom, ALBERT BRUCE-JOY FECIT MCMXXI
The reverse bears Chinese symbols around central field with beaded border. Inside, — DEN — / HOLM · NESTORIANSKE / EXPEDITION TIL SANFV /SHENSI N · V · KINA / MCMVII · VIII / TIL MINDE
Frits Holm (1881-1930) was a Danish scholar and adventurer who is best known for the his 1907 attempt to "obtain" the famous Nestorian Stele, an ancient Christian monument in Xi'an, China. When Chinese authorities learned of his expedition they moved the stele and he had an exact copy manufactured to not leave empty-handed.
The Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts had the replica on loan for 10 years before George Leary, a wealthy New Yorker, bought it as a gift for the Pope.
The circular medal measures 64mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
Many thanks to Ben Burnham for his permission to use images from his eBay store.
References: MACo 1922-017