Did you go back and talk to your aunt? And did you help the other character to the top? I still haven't done the footrace, and there's one fish I haven't found, but there was so much to explore. I almost didn't find the watch but since I had so much money I managed to stumble upon that.
You can destroy it - I also destroyed it, accidentally. If you find it in your inventory, then choose to inspect it, Claire notices it's actually a gold coin attached to string (or something), and you can choose to take it apart (destroying the medal and giving you 1 coin) or keep it. I wish I hadn't destroyed it, but maybe you won't :D