Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Bronze Variety - Choice Uncirculated+
*Beautiful piece free of distractions with alluring eye-appeal and color. Previously, there were two examples included in this collection (NGC MS-64 & PCGS MS-64); now just NGC MS-64. It was later learned by renowned numismatist John Dean that many of the Pike’s Peak Centennial’s were struck at different times from different stock; even if both are classified as “HK-338 Bronze.” — The surfaces on the NGC example retained an overall brighter color, whereas the PCGS MS-64 specimen that was once in this collection had a much, much darker appearance. The assumption can clearly be made that these two examples were struck at different times from different metals. Quite fascinating!* — Designed by Charles E. Barber
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
In addition to the original general program from the Southwest Expedition in Colorado circa 1906, I have obtained all 4 medals/varieties issued (HK-335-338); Silver Proof, Gray Oxidized Silver, Gold Plated & Bronze, as well as the “Imitation Issue” (HK-339). The silver proof is the third rarest and challenging to obtain. However, the key-medals of the series are most certainly the gold-plated variety (HK-337) and the “Imitation Issue” (HK-339). Although extremely challenging to acquire, I was able to obtain an HK-337 specimen in AU-58 (by NGC). Nearly a decade later, I found the HK-339 Imitation Issue. In most collections, both varieties are absent. Subsequently, having the entire series with the original general program in this set exhibits both a historic and rare tribute to the overall Colorado collection.
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Two HK-338 examples “were” included in this collection; both graded MS-64 (one by NGC/one by PCGS); now just NGC. The intent here was to compare the examples from one grading company to the other. Subsequently, both appeared to be graded precisely as described; however, one was much darker in overall appearance (PCGS) while the other is much lighter (NGC).
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Additionally, I was able to obtain an upgraded HK-337 (Gray Oxidized Silver) example from the renowned John Dean. The piece was purchased in an ANACS MS-65 holder; a 2-grade bump from my existing MS-63. Since I only include ANACS coins that will “only” be graded by ANACS (Dan Carr issues, SC50C restrikes, etc.), I wanted the HK-337 re-graded by NGC. After submitting to NGC “in” the MS-65 ANACS holder, I received the medal back “UNC: DETAILS - MOUNTS REMOVED.” I was beyond upset considering this piece came from John Dean’s “private” collection. The eye-appeal is exceptional, as well. So, for the time being, I have left the current MS-63 HK-337 in the collection. I will think of my options for the “mounts removed” specimen; and may even post it the way it currently is. Since removed mounts cannot be seen unless closely examined, I think displaying it to the numismatic community in this collection may be the best direction.
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Completed “Southwest Expedition: Pike’s Peak Centennial” Collection Listed in this Set are as Follows:
- 1906 Original General Program
- HK-335 (Silver Proof): NGC PF-63 (R6)
- HK-336 (Gray Oxidized Silver): NGC MS-63 (R4)
- HK-337 (Gold Plated): NGC AU-58 (R7)
- HK-338 (Bronze): NGC MS-64 (R3)
- HK-339 (“Imitation” Issue): NGC Not Suitable for Certification (R7)
DESIGNER: Charles E. Barber
CATALOG NUMBER: HK-338
RARITY: 6,250 (Mintage Number)
(NGC Pop = 30; 9 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 84): [05/2022]
Rarity Level 3 = ~501-2000 Known - Designated "Scarce"
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Philadelphia Minted, Business Strike, Bronze, 34mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Zebulon Montgomery Pike - 1779-1813 / (Portrait of Zebulon Pike)
REVERSE: Southwest Expedition Commemorative Medal / (Portrait of Pike’s Peak mountain) / Pike’s Peak / Colorado 1806-1906
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Specific History):
Similar to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Southwest Expedition was an effort to explore the vast Western lands obtained from the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The Southwest Expedition was led by U.S. Army officer Zebulon Montgomery Pike. His party encountered (what became known as) Pikes Peak west of present day Colorado Springs in November 1806. Commemorative so-called dollars were issued a century later, in brilliant silver (HK-335), oxidized finish silver (HK-336), gilt bronze (HK-337), and bronze (HK-338). HK-337 is the rarest format. — Credited Source: Heritage Auctions
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(So-Called Dollar Guide Background)
Purpose: "To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Pike's Peak ('sighted' Nov. 15, 1806) by Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike during his Southwest Expedition, 1806-07, following Louisiana Purchase."
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Organization: "Pike Monument Association formed December 1896; planned to erect statue of Pike 'of heroic size and in enduring bronze' and 'to...forever maintain...monument and historical data.' This Celebration 10 years later was staged by Association; financed by public contributions and sale of medals; bronze statue never did materialize. Organization disappeared shortly thereafter."
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Site, Dates: "Colorado Springs, Colorado; Sept. 23 to 29, 1906."
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Comment: "Explorations of Lt. Pike (1779-1813) are basic United States history. Steadily promoted in U.S. Army, he was Adjutant and Inspector General when killed in action in War of 1812 during victorious assault on York (now Toronto), Canada, April 27, 1813.
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Celebration opened Sunday, city-wide church services emphasizing 'high moral character, religious life and patriotic services of Gen. Pike.' Weekday program included parades, polo matches, band concerts, golf tournament, rodeo; highlighted by address by U.S. Vice President Chas. W. Fairbanks and unveilings of bronze tablet on Pike's Peak summit and of granite boulder or shaft in Antlers Park, Colorado Springs. Latter bears 4 plaques reciting discovery of Peak, facts of Pike's life and excerpts from his diary."
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Medals: "Official Medals authorized by 59th Congress; designed by C. E. Barber; struck at Philadelphia Mint. Mint records reveal issue limited to 250 Silver proof, 250 Gold-plate, 4,200 gray-oxidized Silver and 6,250 Bronze; sold through local banks and Chamber of Commerce; Bronze for 50 cents, Silver for $1; 65% of all were looped. Some authorities insist these quantities were ones 'ordered,' that issue actually was smaller. In any event, of total struck, large portion was delivered by Mint apparently too late for sale; they were stored and forgotten for 49 years.
In 1955 these 4,000 pieces were found in basement of old First National Bank Building during demolition. Historical Society of Pike's Peak Region, Inc. directed their sale to help finance 1956 Celebration (no new or additional medals struck for latter event). Again, most were mounted but loops were 'expertly removed to make...acceptable to Collectors' and many do defy detection." — Credited Source: So-Called Dollars by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen