Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
German Silver/Nickel-Silver Variety — Choice Uncirculated
*Handsome overall winner sample. Untoned and brilliant. Grade seems a bit low, nevertheless, the eye-appeal for this specimen is exceptional.. — Matches its bronze and silver proof counterparts of the same design.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Issued in 1976 by the Franklin Mint to recognize the “recreation land” of Colorado state. Based on the COA, 3 total varieties were issued; Bronze (CU-NI) proof, silver proof, and nickel-silver business strike (shown here). Upon examination by NGC, it appears both prior 2 proofs were struck in 1969; however, NGC notes the latter GS MS issue was struck/issued in 1976.
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“COLORADO RECREATION LAND SOUVENIR COIN-MEDAL” Original Insert:
“The spectacular obverse of this issue spotlights both the scenic grandeur and the incredible facilities available to sportsmen, and indeed to all lovers of the great outdoors, in the beautiful state of Colorado. Designed as a souvenir which will remind tourists of the pleasures of past visits—and, hopefully, encourage them to return—this Recreation Land Coin-Medal is actually sold at souvenir shops all through the state.”
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The original COA Mint Franklin Mint packaging notes that 2200 solid Sterling Silver proof medals, 1700 solid Franklin Bronze proof medals, and 5000 solid Nickel-Silver business strikes. The edges are noted as having 280 reeds and 39mm. All are included in this collection with slightly different metal designations by NGC. Their details are as follows:
- 1969 Solid Bronze (CU-NI by NGC) Franklin Mint “Recreation Land State of Colorado” Proof Medal: (NGC PF-67 UC)
- 1969 Solid Sterling Silver (Silver by NGC) Franklin Mint “Recreation Land State of Colorado” Proof Medal: (NGC PF-65 UC)
- 1976 Solid Nickel-Silver (German Silver by NGC) Franklin Mint “Recreation Land State of Colorado” MS Medal: (NGC MS-63)
Sculptor: Harold Faulkner
RARITY: 5000 (Total Struck)
NGC Census unavailable.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Business Strike, German Silver/Nickel-Silver, 39mm, Round, Reeded Edge)
OBVERSE: Colorado Recreation Land / Scenic Mountains / Skating / Ski Country / Hunting / Boating / Water Skiing / Fishing / (All Recreational Activities Have Associated Image Next to Them) / 1776•1976 USA 1876•1976
REVERSE: (Colorado State Seal)