Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Brilliant Gem+ — Pedigreed #198 (Inscribed on Edge of Medal)
*Exceedingly rare specimen struck on a 1/2 Troy oz. planchet of .999 pure silver with jaw-dropping eye-appeal. This Colorado centennial/U.S. bicentennial hybrid boasts radiant rainbow 'bulls-eye' toning with hues of intense emerald and sea greens, stark crimson, burnt sienna, warm golds and deep violet with a brilliant white center on both the OBV./REV. — Pedigreed #198 which indicates the specimen was among the first 200 struck. This becomes clearly apparent by the sharp, blazing strike and exceptionally vivd detail of the devices/overall medal. — The medal appears to be a proof or of proof quality; however, NGC has graded it Mint State.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Privately struck by the Moreschini Mint in Pueblo, CO to commemorate the centennial of Colorado and the bicentennial of the United States. In addition to this, the piece celebrates Colorado as the "land of pure gold" which depicts a miner panning for gold on the reverse. — The original display case is personally signed by “Dr. R. Moreschini,” the producer/designer/engraver, and marked #198. These factors only add to the draw, appeal and value of the piece, as a whole. A personal favorite in my Colorado collection.
DESIGNER: Dr. R. Moreschini
RARITY: Unknown; Likely extremely rare due to it being privately struck and having such a low pedigree.
NGC Census not available.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Struck by the Moreschini Mint, .999 Pure Silver, 1/2 Troy oz, 26mm, Round, Plain/Lettered Edge)
OBVERSE: Colorado Centennial / Land / of / Pure / Gold / 1876-1976 (Depiction of 1700’s American Marching Band)
REVERSE: United States Bicentennial / 1776-1976 / (Depiction of Colorado Settler Panning for Gold)
EDGE: .999 Silver / 198
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
"Colorado's admission to statehood in 1876 and the nation's founding in 1776 were both celebrated as the centennial and bicentennial, respectively, in 1976."