Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Choice Brilliant Gem+ Proof: Ultra Cameo
“Official First Day of Issue” Medal
*Beautiful untoned blast-white specimen with sharp detail and deeply cameo proof-like surfaces. — The obverse has no legends, but has frosty devices against gorgeously finished polished surfaces. — The medal was likely housed in its original packaging from 1976-2022 when it was removed for grading; 46 years later. The condition remained immaculate.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
As noted on the reverse, the medal serves as an official bicentennial tribute to Colorado’s 1976 centennial by the National Governors’ Conference. This medal was one of many in their “National Governors” Conference Official Statehood 50 Medals” series which were initially all struck in 1974. — The medal was issued and originally housed in a postmarked First Day of Issue envelope with an included Certificate of Authenticity.
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Issued in “First Day of Issue” postmarked envelope which was officially stamped by the United States Postal Service on February 23, 1976 - Denver, CO 802. The stamp issued has a Colorado flag design and is noted as “Bicentennial Era 1776-1976.” In shiny gold writing, the envelope states, “ National Governors’ Conference Official Bicentennial Medals.” above the addressee. The addressee (the actual customer) is as follows: Dr. L. Garcia Margarida. Box 13188. Santurce, Puerto Rico 00908. To the left of the addressee is a medal cutout/cachet where the medal was housed/sealed. Below this reads “COLORADO / Solid Sterling Silver Proof.
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On the reverse of the envelope, there is a printed Certificate of Authenticity. This reads as follows: “This is to certify that the hallmarked sterling silver proof medal are contained in this cover is an official Bicentennial issue of the National Governors’ Conference. The cover was postmarked in Denver, the capital of Colorado, on February 23, 1976, the first day of issue of the United States Postal Service’s stamp portraying the flag of that state.” — The envelope is hand signed by Richard R. Rodgers of the National Governors’ Conference.
RARITY: Unknown: Likely uncommon
NGC Census not available.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Sterling Silver, 39mm, Round, Plain/Lettered Edge)
OBVERSE: (Image depicting hunter, skier, farmer, 3 jets symbolizing the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and the Rocky Mountains)
REVERSE: The National Governors Conference / Official / Bicentennial / Tribute to / Colorado / 1976
EDGE: STERLING
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(The National Governors” Conference Official Statehood 50 Medals Series):
“Each of the 50 Sterling Silver Proof Medals were incorporated into a commemorative first day of issue cover which had the personal name and address of the customer as the addressee on the envelopes. All 50 states are represented. The weight of each 39mm coin is .61 oz or 30.5 oz for all 50.” — Credited Source: AGD - American Gold