Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Additional Medal Type 3 (Brass Variety) — Brilliant Gem
*Gorgeous example with nearly proof-like surfaces that contrast an exceedingly sharp strike; Light rainbow toning is exhibited in both the upper obverse/reverse. — Very few examples are known to exist.*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
“In additional to the primary nickel-silver issue, additional varieties were struck in aluminum, brass, and gold. All subsequent issues are rare. — A mere 9 total brass examples have been graded by NGC; defaulting this rarity as being within the top-10 finest known examples to be graded.”
DESIGNER: Leroy H. Bisterfeldt of Denver, CO
RARITY: Mintage Unknown
(NGC Pop = 3; 6 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 9): [05/2022]
Rarity Level 7 = ~11-20 Known - Designated "Extremely Rare"
CATALOG NUMBER: HK-545B
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Struck/Issued by Leroy H. Bisterfeldt, Brass, 33mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Mountains and buildings; at top Rush to the Rockies / Centennial; at bottom Denver / 1959 / microscopic ©.
REVERSE: Pioneer buildings and houses; at top Denver, Colorado; at bottom 1859 / microscopic ©.
SO-CALLED DOLLAR 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 & Kappen