Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Brilliant Gem+
*A lustrous gem; extremely sharp legends/devices create exceptional eye-appeal on this unique issue. Small light brownish spots exhibited on the reverse; likely factoring into the overall grade of this specimen.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Struck circa 1980 to commemorate the centennial of Aspen, Colorado. As depicted on the reverse, the issue was good for $1.00 in trade at participating businesses through December 31, 1980. The Aspen Rotary Club is also represented on the reverse; likely sponsoring the event and commissioning the medal itself.
RARITY: Unknown; Likely scarce
NGC Census not available.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Silver, 39mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Aspen Centennial - 1880-1980 - Aspen, Colorado / (Depiction of Aspen Resort Ski Slopes)
REVERSE: Aspen Centennial Dollar - Aspen Rotary Club / (Depiction of Aspen Centennial Festivities) / This Coin is Good for One / Dollar in Trade at Cooperating / Businesses in Aspen through / December 31, 1980
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Aspen, Colorado):
“The City of Aspen is the home rule municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Pitkin County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 7,004 at the 2020 United States Census. Aspen is in a remote area of the Rocky Mountains' Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains, along the Roaring Fork River at an elevation just below 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level on the Western Slope, 11 miles (18 km) west of the Continental Divide. Aspen is now a part of the Glenwood Springs, CO Micropolitan Statistical Area.
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Aspen remains popular as a year-round destination for locals, second-home buyers and tourists. Outdoor recreation in the surrounding White River National Forest serves as a summertime counterpart to the city's four ski areas. Prime residential real estate in Aspen is the most expensive of any ski resort in the world on a per-square-foot basis, according to a study of 44 global ski results. Aspen is the second-highest rated ski resort of in the world in terms of "the quality and reliability of their conditions and their capacity to withstand climate change." — Credited Source: "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce.
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(Aspen Centennial Celebration):
“Wintersköl toasts another century,” noted the Aspen Times on January 17, 1980. “Wintersköl 1980 officially begins Aspen’s centennial celebration. This year’s Wintersköl theme Toast to Another Century, is an obvious reference to Aspen’s centennial year. Activities begin today with a few Wintersköl events planned. Starting tomorrow, Friday Jan. 18, with Highlands Day, locals and tourists alike can get immersed in Wintersköl mania for three days. Anyone wearing a Wintersköl pin can ski for only $12 at the Aspen Highlands on Friday, versus the regular $16 lift rate.” The article goes on to note the many events planned for the weekend, including a day each dedicated to Aspen, Highlands and Snowmass. This image shows a group competing in the linked-arm slalom race at Highlands; the rules stated that racers must keep arms locked at all times, and all were required to wear costumes.“ — Credited Source: The Aspen Times “Wintersköl 1980” | Written by Andrew Travers