Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Brilliant Gem+ — Designated “Deep Proof Like” by NGC
*Sharp strike with brilliant blast white surfaces; Deep mirrored proof-like fields and frosty devices (possibly a proof strike); Hints of iridescent colors envelope the reverse - No signs of wear as seen with many examples of this type — Also used to promote local commerce until April 30, 1981 as being good for $1.00 at participating businesses in Durango.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Issued circa 1980 to commemorate the centennial of Durango, Colorado as well as the 75th anniversary of the Durango Rotary Club.
RARITY: Unknown; likely few minted
NGC Census not available.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Nickel-Silver, 21.8 grams, 40mm, Round, Reeded Edge)
OBVERSE: Durango / Centennial / (Image of a Steam-Engine Train Crossing a Bridge) / 1880 / 1980
REVERSE: Durango Rotary Club / 1905 - 1980 / 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 (All Twelve 75's Circling a Globe) / RotaryInternational / This Coin is Good for One Dollar in Trade / at Cooperating Businesses in Durango - April 30, 1981
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Durango, Colorado):
"The town was organized in September 1881 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG) to serve the San Juan mining district. The D&RG chose a site south of Animas City for its depot after Animas City refused to pay a dowry[clarification needed to the D&RG. The city is named after Durango, Mexico, which was named after Durango, Spain. The word Durango originates from the Basque word 'urango' meaning 'water town'." — Credited Source: Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives