Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/DESCRIPTION:
Official Medal — Choice Brilliant Gem
Upgraded from NGC MS-66 to NGC MS-67
*Superb lustrous frosty surfaces of this popular “Rush to the Rockies” official medal; Brilliant blast white with gorgeous burgundy/tangerine peripheral toning. — Upgraded; Previous example in collection was an NGC MS-66. Newer/current issue is NGC-MS-67. Although just one grade higher, significance is evident. As of January 2023, 68 specimens have been graded MS-66 where just 25 have achieved 67, and a mere 5 in MS-68. Therefore, 67 is a challenging grade to obtain. I’m grateful for the addition to this collection.*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
Commemorates 100th anniversary of first mass settlement of CO following discovery of gold in 1859 in Central City, once 'Richest sq. mile on earth.' Included were Centennial Celebrations of 19 cities including Denver and Colorado Springs.
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“Official Medal was authorized by 86th Congress; struck at Philadelphia Mint. Obverse is Official Centennial Emblem designed by Arthur Roy Mitchell, Trinidad, Colorado; modeled by Frank Gasparro. Issue limited to 10,000 pieces; sold out for $3.50 "before end of August 1959." Congressional designation as a "national medal" permitted striking of additional number "upon approval of issuing Commission" but Governor Steve McNichols personally advised on April 11, 1960, that no more medals would be struck.”
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ORIGINAL COA INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
FRONT COVER: 1859-1959 / A Remembrance of the / COLORADO / "Rush to the Rockies" / CENTENNIAL / for / (Blank lines to hand write a name)
INSIDE: This medal, issued in honor of the Colorado "Rush to the Rockies" Centennial (1859-1959) and the United States Air Force Academy, was authorized by the 86th Congress of the United States and was struck off in the U. S. Mint in Philadelphia.”
DESIGNER: Arthur Roy Mitchell of Trinidad, Colorado
MOLDED: Frank Gasparro
CATALOG NUMBER: HK-542
RARITY: 10,000 (Total Struck)
(NGC Pop = 28; 5 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 216): [01/2023]
Rarity Level 2 = ~2001-5000 Known
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Philadelphia Minted, Silver, 33mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Covered wagon scene; small circle below containing a buffalo, long arrow across to r.; above all Colorado / Rush to the Rockies Centennial; to l. 1859, to r. 1959.
REVERSE: Seal of Academy, 13 stars around, below MCMLIX--all within center circle; outside above around • United States of America •, below Air Force Academy.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“ Purpose: To commemorate 100th anniversary of first mass settlement of state following discovery of gold in 1859 in Central City, once "richest square mile on earth." Included were centennial celebrations of 19 cities including Denver and Colorado Springs.
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Organization: This was not a "World's Fair"; rather, "in each town events were offered which "re-created pioneer days, illustrated growth of state and provided unique entertainment." Denver acted first; Council created Centennial Commemorative Authority 1955; Legislature created Centennial Commission January 1958 to coordinate state and local observances; similar Committees established in most communities. State granted $125,000 but mere $70,000 spent as this was described officially as "Do-It-Yourself Celebration" actually costing residents of state "only about 4 cents each."
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Site, Dates, Attendance: In 150 towns and cities over 400 events were held throughout 1959 attracting 4,000,000 "additional" visitors to state. U.S. participation largely limited to Federal Agencies Fair, Denver Federal Center; no Mint Exhibit.
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Comment: Officially dubbed "Rush to the Rockies" Celebration, focal point was pioneer village erected in downtown Denver, complete with blacksmith shop, livery stable, saloon, sheriff's office, etc. Abutting this in Civic Center, in world's first public showing, towered 13-story-tall Titan ICBM, built in nearby Martin plant and symbolic of Space Age. Elsewhere, old West reborn in detailed restoration of famous mining town of "South Park City" (Fairplay) and in festivities at Cripple Creek, Leadville et al. Replica of first Colorado Mint, Clark, Gruber and Co., was erected in Historical Museum, Denver, visitors exchanging paper money for silver. Miners, past and present, were honored in Hall of Mining Progress (Mining Exchange Building), Denver.
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Highlight of entire year was First Commencement and Official Dedication by President Eisenhower, June 3, of new $136,000,000 U.S. Air Force Academy located against spectacular Rampart Range near Colorado Springs.” — Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen