Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Uncirculated+ (Slabbed in NGC Oversized Holder)
*Colorful toned upper-obverse field which gives a strong proof-like appearance showing swirls of blue, cerulean, azure, cobalt, indigo and sapphire intertwining with tan, beige and cream that resemble actual sky; Similar toning bursts to life amongst hints of original reddish-orange luster one the reverse - Sharp strike for such a large medal which still remained in a lower mint-state.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
“Zalmon G. Simmons, builder & first owner of the Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway, had this medal made for the 1905 Denver Encampment of the G.A.R. Each attending member also received a trip to the summit on the Cog-Train. The Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War veterans organization founded in 1866, reached it’s largest membership in 1890 w/ over 490,000 members. In 1949, the 6 surviving members permanently closed the G.A.R." — Credited Source: Matt Carpenter
DESIGNER: Zalmon G. Simmons
RARITY: Unknown; mintage figures not known. Several examples appear to be available; however, mint-state grades seem to be much scarcer.
NGC Census unavailable.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Issued by Zalmon G. Simmons, Bronze, 70mm, 4.6oz, Round, Plain Edge, Beaded Boarder)
OBVERSE: (Depiction of Pike’s Peak G.A.R. National Encampment) / Pike’s Peak
REVERSE: 39th National Encampment G.A.R. Denver Sept. 1905 / In Honor / of the / Brave Men / Who Victoriously / Defended the Union / On Land and Sea / During the War / of the / Great Rebellion / 1861-1865