Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Uncirculated+ — Type I (Bow on Obverse) - 4-Sided Scallop Shaped
*Beautiful piece; Near proof-like fields. Frosty white, untoned fields and sharp lettering allow this piece to stand out with exceptional draw and appeal - Circular shape inside of a 4-sided scallop. — Specimen appears it should grade at least MS-63.*
TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Token used by “Van Richardson” in Fairplay, Colorado for 10C in trade circa early-mid 20th century. Pritchard notes this as being a pool hall.
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There are 3 varieties of the Van Richardson 10C denomination; this being the more common of the trio. The Type I, as shown here, includes the design of a bow on the obverse. The Type II does not include a bow and the Type III does not include a bow on the obverse and states “In Trade” on the reverse instead of “In Merchandise.” Their specific catalog details are shown below:
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- Pritchard FA145-10a/CMT F300 - Type I (Bow on Obverse) - Examples Known: 75+ (Included in Collection)
- Pritchard FA145-10b/CMT F301 - Type II (No Bow on Obverse) - Examples Known: 36
- Pritchard FA145-10c/CMT F302 - Type III (In Trade on Reverse) Type II - Examples Known: 7
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard FA145-10a
CMT F300
RARITY: Pritchard estimates more than 75 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Aluminum, 31mm, 4-Scallop, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Van Richardson / (bow) / Fairplay, / Colo.
REVERSE: Good for / 10¢ / in Merchandise
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Fairplay, Colorado):
"Just as the name implies, Fairplay was founded in 1860 by prospectors victimized by comrads at the Taryall diggings. They had a desire for justice and equity. Thus, Fairplay (Fair Play) was born." — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard