Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Sterling Silver Variety — Choice Brilliant Proof Strike: Ultra Cameo
*Near flawless example struck in choice brilliant proof; Radiant lustrous surfaces display exceptional eye-appeal — Design matches its bronze counterpart of the same design.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Issued in the 1969-1970 Franklin Mint 'First Edition States of the Union Series.' -- The obverse of the issue displays a cowboy being bucked by a bronco recognizing the state's western-style history, dubbed 'The Rocky Mountain State.' The obverse also points out Denver as Colorado's state capital. The reverse honors Colorado's admission to the Union as the 38th state during the United States' centennial year; 1876. The 'Rocky Mountain Columbine' is also acknowledged as the state's flower.
RARITY: 32,275 (Mintage Number)
NGC Census not available.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Proof Strike, .925 Sterling Silver, 14 grams [0.45 Troy Oz.], 32mm, Round, Reeded/Partially Lettered Edge)
OBVERSE: Colorado / Denver / The Rocky Mountain State
REVERSE: Colorado / Rocky Mountain Columbine / Colorado / Attained Statehood / August 1, 1876 / 38th State
EDGE: Sterling 69 P
SERIES BACKGROUND:
"The 1969-1970 Franklin Mint 'First Edition States of the Union Series" was issued in both a sterling silver and a bronze version. The set displays contributions for each of the 50 states to America's cultural heritage which are honored in the series of 50 medals. The series was minted in a variety of sizes and forms, which included sterling silver, gold on sterling silver, bronze, and platinum. Each medal was minted with a beautiful, finely frosted gem proof finish, so that the sculptor's image is set dramatically against a polished background of mirror-like brilliance. The obverse of each medal shows the state, its name, and the name of its capital, as well as its moniker (for example Georgia is 'The Peach State.') The reverse of each medal exhibits the state's name, date it became a state and the order in which it attained statehood (for example, Delaware is listed as the first state in the Union.)" — Credited Source: iCollectFranklinMint.com