Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Choice Uncirculated+ — From the "Jeff Shevlin Collection" (Noted on Slab as Pedigree)
NOTE: Submitted back to NGC in older-style slab for re-holdering in October 2022 due to a mechanical defect. Original certification number: 3273297-087; which was utilized again on the new label. However, the “new” certification number also locates/populates the medal: 6490377-001.
*The dies used for the entire obverse (except for the mine depiction) and outer edges of reverse were heavily polished; creating a brilliant proof-like mirror finish in all of the specified areas. The centralized devices on the obverse/reverse, although not proof-like, are sharp, untoned, and white. However, there are areas in the crevices of both the legends and devices where dark toning can be seen. — In-hand, the medal appears to the naked eye as a blazing, brilliant, frosty white example with remarkably defined details.*
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
Although this medal does not have a direct correlation to Colorado, there is certainly a link to Colorado’s HK-870 1933 Century of Progress: Type IV design. Both the “Montana Dollar” shown here and Colorado Century of Progress Type IV Dollar have nearly an identical obverse design, including almost the same lettering/legends. Both medals also depict a mine on the obverse, yet each is different. In either case, I would call this a “Colorado-cousin” medal. Coincidentally, both were struck circa 1933, as well. — Renowned numismatist John Dean is quoted as saying, “Not a Colorado medal but very closely related, and typically collected together with the HK-870 - Colorado’s Century of Progress.” Therefore, I decided this beautiful and historic medal had a perfect spot within this collection. This is the first numismatic issue in this collection selected strictly for its design relation to another Colorado medal for the reasons described above.
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“Frank H. Cooney, Montana governor, and J. E. Erickson, U.S. senator, were prominent among members of the advisory council. Council and board of directors were composed of U.S. congressmen, state senators and representatives and other state, college and private industry leaders.
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As a means of financing its activities the organization adopted a silver medal, to be issued to members instead of a membership card upon payment of $1 dues. The medal contains one troy ounce of silver, .999 fine. Net profit to the association was about 55 cents after silver and die costs had been paid. According to C. R. Brazier, organization secretary, 2225 medals were ordered struck, with initial shipment consisting of 300 pieces; distributed by Union Bank and Trust Co., Helena. Actual number of pieces issued cannot be established, but many medals were melted.” — Credited Source: Hibler & Kappen
DESIGNER: The Montana Silver Association
CATALOG NUMBER: HK-820
RARITY: 2,225 (Total Ordered) - 300 in Initial Shipment — Many were melted
Total Issued: Unknown.
(NGC Pop = 17; 34 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 108): [10/2022]
Rarity Level 5 = ~76-200 Known - Designated "Rare"
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Produced by The Montana Silver Association of Helena, MT; Distributed by Union Bank and Trust Co. of Helena, MT; 1 Troy Oz. Silver, 40mm, Round, Embossed Letters/Figures, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Mining scene in upper center portion, incused M upon hillside; lower center panel inscribed Silver the Key / to / • Prosperity • / 1933; circle around all; between circle and beaded border, * Montana Silver Association * Helena, Montana
REVERSE: Modification of Montana State Seal, engraved on shield in bas-relief, with inscription Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver) in scroll above shield; legend above, around, * One Troy Ounce of Silver 999 Fine *; below, Montana
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“The Montana Silver Association, with headquarters in Helena, Montana, had as its purposes "To unite and encourage, through organization, those who believe in the restoration of silver in the monetary system of the United States and other leading powers throughout the world; to collect and disseminate information on the silver subject; to bring united and effective action in every legitimate way for the purpose of bring-ing about the enactment of appropriate legislation to further the use of silver in our national currency; to seek coordination in any and all organizations representing various branches of industry, crafts, professions and commerce, which would be directly or indirectly benefited by the restoration of silver and thereby provide employment for thousands of miners, as well as thousands of others engaged in the production of timber, oil, coal, explosives and other supplies, which in turn would call for greater employment of those engaged in the transportation of the ores, concentrates, bullion and in addition the great volume of supplies enumerated as essential to the mining industry.” — Credited Source: Hibler and Kappen