Owner Comments:
SO-CALLED DOLLAR APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
”Imitation” Variety — (NGC sent back as “Not Suitable for Certification”)
*Although, yes, this example is crude and exhibits damage (from what I can tell, environmental damage/corrosion), all key elements to grade/authenticate the coin are there. The devices are actually relatively strong given its condition. Since NGC has only graded one example in XF, I can see their reluctancy. However, I have seen coins grade PR or FR in “way” worse shape. So, why not grade this one? — Every known example, with the “somewhat” exception of the plate image in the 2nd edition of HK’s SCD, are crude. All known examples appear to be pitted, including the plate image in the SCD guide. There is also a rim bump seen on the obverse at 2:00. This appears in the SCD plate image, as well as this example. Clearly there are numerous indicators/markers to successfully authenticate this medal. It is deeply unfortunate NGC would not do so. I may either try sending it in once more, or sebd it to PCGS.
SO-CALLED DOLLAR BACKGROUND:
The sole example graded by NGC (XF) is the one shown in both editions of the the SCD book, which is the best any collector I have discussed this with has seen. All examples appear to have been struck with low-relief and are very similar to the one shown here.
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Jeff Shevlin had the one graded example in his position at a time. The following was his description: “Sold at the Ostheimer Sealed Bid Auctin in Boston August of 2010 for $854. Now we can really talk RARE. At XF 45 this is the only piece graded by NGC. It is also the plate coin in both the first and second edition of the So-Called Dollar book. Struck in brass. In 1906 when this medal was offered for sale Colorado newspapers warned the public that imitation Pikes Peak medals had appeared on the market, this being one of them, and recommended the purchase of only official medals produced by the U.S. Mint. Apparently their warning was headed as few of these imitation issue medals exist today. Rather low relief design. The bust of Zebulon Pike faces to the left with the dates 1806 and 1906 within scrolls.”
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Again, I believe this example should have at least obtained authentication. I’m curious if NCS can help with the authentication process. I’ve checked all markings, die marks, denticles, etc. The specimen is most certainly genuine and a welcome addition to this collection; having it come to auction at the right time and for the right price allowed me to obtain it which doesn’t always happen.. Despite its condition, even having such a phenomenally rare SC$1 in this collection is amazing.
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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) shown here. 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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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)
CATALOG NUMBER: HK-339
RARITY:
(NGC Pop = 1; NONE Finer - NGC Total Pop = 1): [04/2023]
Rarity Level 7 = ~11-20 Known - Designated "Extremely Rare”
SO-CALLED DOLLAR DESCRIPTION:
(Business/Private Strike, Brass, 37mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Bust l.; to l., within scroll 1806; to r., within scroll 1906; above bust, around Zebulon M. Pike Centennial; below bust, around Colorado Springs, Colo.
REVERSE: Observation tower and buildings on rocky summit; above Pike's Peak / Altitude 14147 Ft.; below rocks Discovered / Nov. 1806 by Genl. Zebulon M. Pike; beaded border. (no beaded border on obv.)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Southwest Expedition: “Imitation” Issue):
“Colorado newspapers of 1906 cautioned public to buy "only the genuine authorized medal" as an imitation had appeared on market. This piece, too, is listed here. (See also "The Southwest Expedition Medal" by C. S. Yowell, The Numismatist, issue Jan. 1956).“ — Credited Source: So-Called Dollars by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen