Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
TOP POP: Type II Variety: Uncirculated+ (Designated Proof-Like by NGC)
*One of the most extraordinary examples of this issue I have ever seen. The strike, with the exception of minor marks/imperfections, is of the highest quality and caliber. The incused, deeply defined details/legends are extremely sharp/clear; particularly, when comparing to other examples of the same issue. The overall frosty, untoned, blazing surfaces reflect light brilliantly; boasting mirrored fields which is nearly unheard of on an issue of this age/type. Gorgeous, very light golden-tangerine toning is seen on the outer obverse/reverse rims. Words are extremely challenging to describe the nature of this specimen, and photos do not reveal its true beauty. It must be examined in-person for the full experience. — Of the 50 total examples graded by NGC, this specific specimen is the “only” one to have received the PL designation. The quality of the original planchet is exceptional and likely one of the first 2,000 to be struck (700 issued). — This issue holds a rarity of R5; however, as the only known proof-like example, it very well could be classified R6 or even R7.*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
“Sale of this type started Feb. 6, 1933. Of 2,000 struck, only 700 were issued and remainder melted down for striking of fourth and final type. Some writers have reported that 2,700 were struck. The 2,000 figure is that of the Colorado State Board of Immigration. All reports agree on the 700 figure.”
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Completed “Colorado’s Century of Progress Dollars” Collection Listed in this Set are as Follows:
- HK-867 (Type I: Incused): NGC MS-62 (R6)
- HK-868 (Type II: Incused): NGC MS-62 PL (R5; Potentially R6/R7 in PL)
- HK-869 (Type III: Incused): NGC AU-58 (R5)
- HK-870 (Type IV: Embossed): PCGS MS-65 (R3)
DESIGNER: Colorado Century of Progress Commission
ENGRAVER: H.H. Tammen Co.
CATALOG NUMBER: HK-868
RARITY: 2,000 (Total Struck) — 700 (Total Issued)
(*TOP POP* NGC Pop = 1; NONE Finer - NGC Total Pop = 50): [05/2022]
Rarity Level 5 = ~76-200 Known - Designated "Rare to Very Rare"
**Only PL/Proof-Like example graded by NGC. Possible rarity level of R6 or R7**
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Planchets Made by Sachs-Lawlor Co. of Denver, Struck by The H. H. Tammen Co. of Denver, 1oz Silver, 38mm, Round, Incused Letters/Figures, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Same as Obverse of No. 867 [A Century of Progress].
REVERSE: Similar to reverse of No. 867 [Silver / Will Restore / Prosperity...], except to Colorado omitted. These words eliminated because they tended to localize importance of silver.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“Colorado State Legislature failed to appropriate funds for participation in Century of Progress Exposition, Chicago, 1933. Many Denver and other civic organizations, knowing that 32 or more other states were to have official exhibits, believed that Colorado's non-appearance would be detrimental to its industrial welfare.
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About $60,000 was estimated to be necessary to assure proper representation and only about 30 days then remained in which to raise it. A plan to produce and sell "Colorado Dollars" was devised and adopted by Colorado Century of Progress Commission to accomplish this objective.
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On Feb. 1, 1933, Commission announced that one-ounce discs of pure silver would be sold at $1 each, silver costing but 28 cents an ounce at that time. Next day Gov. Ed C. Johnson of Colorado purchased first token and general sale was started throughout state. The discs were advertised and sold elsewhere by Colorado State Board of Immigration, Denver, for $1.25 each.
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Planchets were made by Sachs-Lawlor Co., Denver. The H. H. Tammen Co., also of Denver, struck the pieces. All have plain edge. First three types have incuse letters and figures. Type IV is embossed.” — Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen