Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Brilliant Gem+
*Made of blue oxidized bronze; All of the original bluing and oxidized shine still present; Exceptional eye-appeal - A sharp strike in nearly every respect. — From a grading perspective, this example appears to be MS-67 or higher. It’s current grade of MS-66 seems undergraded. — Design matches its 37mm oxidized bronze counterpart (HK-577)*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
A fascinating and unique issue, as well as the only one I have ever come across. This 26mm looped 1960 example is nearly identical to the 37mm HK-577 SC$1. — One might also wonder if a small number of these were issued by Robbins Co., as with HK-577. It’s possible this particular issue may have been given to Boy Scouts as awards at the National Jamboree; however, this is purely speculation. The features, die-casting, design, medal, and minting process are all what appears to be “identical” to the original HK-577 dollar. — Based on my research, there is no background anywhere on this issue, which is a strong indication of its rarity.
DESIGNER: Official Jamboree Medal; National Council
CATALOG NUMBER: HK-577C (Self-Designated)
RARITY:
Likely “extremely” rare. In all my years of collecting, I have never come across another example of this particular issue. — As of March 2022, this is the only example graded by NGC.
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Potentially Struck by Robbins Co., Oxidized Bronze, 26mm, Round, Plain Edge [Looped])
OBVERSE: National Jamboree / For God and Country / 1910 1960 / Boy Scouts of America / 50 / Fifty Years of Service / Colorado Springs
REVERSE: (Divided into three equal segments; in upper is view of Air Force Academy buildings and grounds; in lower left is Pike's Peak; in lower right is Will Rogers Memorial Tower)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
"The 1960 National Jamboree was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from July 22 to 28 with the theme 'For God and Country' to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Boy Scouts of America. 56,377 Scouts and Explorers participated in the jamboree. To open the jamboree, 200 Native Americans set up a huge tepee village on stage as James Arness (Marshall Matt Dillon of television’s “Gunsmoke” series) narrated a western story. Scouts shared daily chores, cooked their own meals as was now the tradition, took part in displays, campfire gatherings, demonstrations, skill contests, a rodeo, and made inter-camp visits during the event." — Credited Source: Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America
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ADDITIONAL HISTORY:
“Purpose: To celebrate 50th anniversary of Boy Scouts of America.
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Organization: This was fifth and largest national encampment or Jamboree. "Two years of...work by hundreds of men" required to convert open range to Jamboree City, principally a tent city but with huge arena, roads, water mains, electric lines, own post office, bank, newspaper (90,000 copies daily) and stores, called Trading Posts. Jamboree was self-sustaining; financed by private contributions and $50 fee paid by each boy in camp. Of latter amount, $13 per capita was refunded.
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Site, Dates, Attendance: Camp site of 4 sq. mi. created on 2,500 acre Reverse J Diamond Ranch owned by late R. E. Johnson near Colorado Springs. Jamboree held July 22 to 28, 1960; over 200,000 visitors. Elsewhere, many "special procedures" took place in observance of anniversary, highlight being National Boy Scout Week, Feb. 7 to 13.
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Participants: Encamped were 56,377 Scouts from all 50 states, including 650 from 26 foreign countries.
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Comment: Scouts founded 1907 in England by Lord Robert Baden-Powell; incorporated in U.S. Feb. 8, 1910, in District of Columbia. Stated purpose is "...to promote...ability of boys to do things for themselves and others...to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance..." Over 30,000,000 Americans have been Scouts, with 2005 membership of nearly 3,000,000.
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Fiftieth Anniversary Jubilee Jamboree opened with pageant, "Spirit of America" with 6,000 Scouts participating before audience of 75,000. During week there were field sports, conservation educational programs, and daily demonstrations of Scouting skills. President Eisenhower and Lord Baden-Powell, son of founder, were distinguished guests. Called "largest camp for boys ever held in U.S." — Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen