Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Silver Variety - Choice Brilliant Gem+ — Pedigreed: #57 by NGC
*Impeccable, untoned, near perfect example of this commemorative medal struck by Landmarks. Very light marks/abrasions can be observed on the obverse; however, they do not take away from the phenomenal eye-appeal of this specimen. — An extremely low serial number of just 57 only adds to its rarity. — If you’re looking for how this issue appeared when it was first sold in 1977, you’re looking at it! — Matches its bronze counterpart of the same design. Both are included in this collection.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Struck by “Landmarks” to commemorate “Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde” which is located at Montezuma County, Colorado. Additionally, the reverse provides necessary context/history to the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. — See the “Historical Background” section below for more information on Mesa Verde.
—————
As a Colorado native, I have been to Mesa Verde several times and have fond memories visiting with my family when I was young. This creates an emotional connection, as well as special meaning, with the medals. An aspect about numismatics that I truly love.
—————
Landmarks was a company local to Colorado that made Colorado-related medals (pertaining to famous landmarks) and memorabilia. I have tried to collect as many Landmarks medals for this collection as possible. Medals range from Colorful Colorado: The Centennial State as shown here, to Pike’s Peak, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Grand Lake, Maroon Bells, and many more. An insert on one of the medals reads as follows: “Landmarks P.O. Box 1643 Grand Junction, Colorado B15011 1977 Landmarks” — However, it appears this company no longer exists, as there is no history/background whatsoever regarding them. Nevertheless, their company will live on through the beautiful, high-quality medals they created for collectors in the 1970’s.
ISSUED BY: Landmarks
RARITY: Unknown; Likely rare; particularly with a serial number of 57
NGC Census not available.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Struck by “Landmarks,” Sterling Silver, 38mm, Round, Plain/Engraved Edge)
OBVERSE: (Image of Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings) / Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Verde
REVERSE: Cliff Dwellings / of Mesa Verde / A landmark in history. / These impressive dwelling / places of which there are hun- / dreds in the canyons of Mesa / Verde remain as a monument / to the greatness of a / little understood culture. / LANDMARKSofCOLORADO / © 1977 Landmarks
EDGE: STERLING / 057
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Mesa Verde):
“Mesa Verde National Park is in southwest Colorado. It's known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, notably the huge Cliff Palace. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum has exhibits on the ancient Native American culture. Mesa Top Loop Road winds past archaeological sites and overlooks, including Sun Point Overlook with panoramic canyon views. Petroglyph Point Trail has several rock carvings.”
——-
“For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and Tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past. This World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park is home to over a thousand species, including several that live nowhere else on earth.” — Credited Source: National Park Service (nps.gov)