Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
TOP POP: Gilt Variety - Choice Brilliant Gem+
(Slabbed In Double-Thick Holder)
*Stunning example of this exceptionally rare variety; Rich lustrous surfaces and impeccable detail command magnificent eye-appeal. — Matches its bronze and silver counterparts of the same design; both of which are included in this collection. — Currently the “only” specimen graded by NGC.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Struck by the Medallic Art Company, N.Y., circa 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Colorado Springs (1872-1972).
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Gilt variety is incredibly rare, as I have yet to encounter another example. Even encased numbered sets are only of the silver and bronze varieties (both of which are in this collection, as well), making this piece all the more scarce. Example may even be a trial strike and was issued in a small blue box. — Only known example graded by NGC.
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Varieties Included in this Collection are Listed/Graded as Follows:
- Bronze Variety: MS-69 #92 (NGC TOP POP)
- Silver Variety: MS-69 #92 (NGC TOP POP)
- Gilt Variety: MS-67 (NGC TOP POP)
RARITY: Unknown; Likely rare (I have yet to encounter another gilt example to-date)
(*TOP-POP* NGC Pop = 1; NONE Finer - NGC Total Pop = 1): [10/2023]
**Only example graded by NGC**
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Medallic Art Company, N.Y., Gilt, 38mm, Round, Plain/Lettered Edge)
OBVERSE: Colorado Springs Centennial - 1872-1972 / 100 / (Depictions Divided Into 4 Equal Sections: Air Force Academy Chapel - Falcon Shove Chapel - Garden of the Gods Sunrise Service (Crosses) - General Palmer on Horse)
REVERSE: Colorado Springs Plus 100 - 1872 - 1972 / (Covered Wagon Pulled by Horses which Reads PIKES PEAK OR BUST)
EDGE: Medallic Art Co. N.Y.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Colorado Springs, Colorado):
“Colorado Springs is a home rule municipality in, and the county seat of, El Paso County, Colorado, United States.[1] It is the most populous city in El Paso County, with a population of 478,961 at the 2020 United States Census, a 15.02% increase since 2010. Colorado Springs is the second-most populous city and the most extensive city in the state of Colorado, and the 40th-most populous city in the United States. It is the principal city of the Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the second-most prominent city of the Front Range Urban Corridor. It is located in east-central Colorado, on Fountain Creek, 70 miles (113 km) south of Denver.” — Credited Source: "Active Colorado Municipalities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs & "2020 Population and Housing State Data". United States Census Bureau.
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(Pike’s Peak’s Association with Colorado Springs):
“In 1859, Colorado Springs history is marked with the founding of Colorado City which became the first settlement in the Pikes Peak region. It was the territorial capitol for a short period and served as a supply camp for miners traveling to the mining camps west of Denver. Discover more of this historic district at the Old Colorado City History Center.
In November 1806, American explorer Zebulon Pike traveled through the area and is credited for “discovering” Pikes Peak. He and his group attempted to reach the summit, but they were neither dressed nor equipped to climb the mountain that ultimately came to bear his name.
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General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero from Pennsylvania, ushered in a new era in Colorado Springs history in 1869. During his first visit to the area, he fell in love with its “most enticing scenery.” He predicted that there would soon be a great resort town at the base of Pikes Peak. One year later, he founded the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and purchased land to create Colorado Springs along its route.” — Credited Source: “Visit Colorado Springs” (Private non-profit corporation to promote Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region)