Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
*Brilliant white gem - Sharp detail; Excellent strike - Frosty devices and mirrored lustrous fields give off a proof-like appeal — Most examples are heavily worn, therefore gem examples are scarce.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Issued to commemorate Zebulon Montgomery Pike as a key figure in Colorado's history. The piece also commemorates the statehood of Colorado which was admitted to the Union August 1, 1876 as the 38th state. -- The piece was likely 'not' struck in 1876, but more so struck with the date '1876' to commemorate Colorado's statehood, as the piece appears to have been issued from a more modern era.
RARITY: Unknown; Likely somewhat common to scarce - I have seen 8-15 other examples
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(White Metal, 38mm, Round, Reeded Edge)
OBVERSE: Zebulon Montgomery Pike / Nil Sine / Numine / (Image of Lt. Pike) / 1876
REVERSE: State of Colorado / (Colorado State Emblem; Nil Sine Numine) / 1876