Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
TOP POP: Antiqued Bronze Variety - Brilliant Gem
(Slabbed in Double-Thick Holder)
*Fascinating rustic design in gem condition. Of the two MS-65 bronze examples in this collection, this specimen has a much lighter, overall patina. Sandy brown surfaces create a pleasing overall appearance. - Although there are very “minor” blemishes on the reverse, this example appears to be at least MS-66 or higher. — Matches its rarer silver counterpart of the same design which is also included in this collection at NGC MS-68.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Recognizes the centennial of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association. The reverse also notes the success of 'a century of progress in the livestock industry.
—————
The reason 2 bronze examples are included in this collection was for grading attempt purposes. At different points in time, both were purchased raw. I submitted the first for grading with NGC which came back MS-65. Subsequently, I stumbled across another the example shown here which appeared to be at least MS-68. Since the silver variety in this collection is graded MS-68, my attempt was to acquire an MS-68 bronze example. To my unfortunate dismay, it also came back MS-65 by NGC. The one positive aspect that came of this is being able to compare the two examples in identical grades.
Oddly, 2 examples have been graded by NGC (MS-65 and MS-65 BN) as of April, 2022. Obviously, each is at the top of its respective population report. Or, one can see them as tied. I’m not entirely sure why one was designated BN and the other not. In either case, both examples reside in this collection.
RARITY: Unknown; Likely Scarce (Examples are available but not often seen)
(NGC Pop = 1; NONE Finer - NGC Total Pop = 2): [04/2022]
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Medallic Art Company, N.Y., Antiqued Bronze, 38mm, Round, Plain/Lettered Edge)
OBVERSE: Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Centennial / (CCA Emblem of a Texas Longhorn) / 1867-1967
REVERSE: A Century of Progress in the Livestock Industry - 1867-1967 / Shorthorn - Charolais - Scotch Richland - Polled Hereford - Hereford - Aberdeen - Shorthorn
EDGE: Medallic Art Co. N.Y.
**The obverse depicts the horns & skull of a Texas Longhorn. The reverse depicts the head of a Hereford.**
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“The Colorado Cattlemen's Association was founded in 1867, nine years before Colorado became a state. It became the first statewide cattlemen's association in the nation and has been operating ever since. It was instrumental in the formation of the National Western Stock Show (1899), Colorado Brand Board (1902), the Colorado Beef Council (1956) and the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (1995).” — Credited Source: Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (https://www.coloradocattle.org/about)