Panorama 1901
Gold Octagonal Token (Charm) [Unlisted in Lavin]
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
Unlisted in Lavin |
| Item Description: |
GOLD 11mm 1901 NY GOLD PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION BUFFALO, OCTAGONAL |
| Full Grade: |
NGC MS 65 |
| Owner: |
Dlibertycap |
Owner Comments:
I am aware of only three types of gold tokens or medals from the Expo. There were a few examples of the rare large-size 64mm Hermon MacNeil award medal that were actually struck in gold! J.H. Cline's book on standing liberty quarters (a coin also designed by MacNeil) estimates 10 may have been struck in gold with perhaps one or two extant. The first place American Athletic Union medals are reportedly 12k gold. And then there is this token at the other end of the size spectrum. At 11mm in diameter it is the smallest token from the Expo. These are mostly encountered with a loop at the top and affixed to a pin, bracelet, or other accessory. These seldom appear for sale and a rarity of R6 seems about right.
This example is a beautiful gold gem with lovely luster. The only other graded example I am aware of is an NGC-graded MS64 piece. But on close inspection of the photos from a 2008 Heritage auction, it looks as though the loop may have been removed from that piece.