Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Brilliant Gem — Pedigree: #243 — Design Description: “Jankovsky Slugs”
*Superbly struck w/ exceptional luster; Brilliant muted gray surfaces enhance the overall piece which exhibits light rose peripheral toning on the obverse. The reverse is distinguished by a lighter, deeper golden luster, creating exceptional eye-appeal. — Pedigreed 243 of 1,000 struck. — Only 2 examples have been graded by NGC. This being the second finest where the finest is MS-68.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
The centennial issue possesses elements of the original. Limited to 1,000 serially numbered pieces, these latter-day Leshers were struck on the same drop-hammer press used to produce the originals. The obverse is a faithful reproduction of a Lesher issue. Only the reverse is different, for it pictures the superstructure of one of the most productive gold mines in the district—the Independence.
RARITY: 1,000 (Total Issued) — This Issue: #243/1000
Designated “Rare” by T. J. Jankovsky
(NGC Pop = 1: 1 Finer - NGC Total Pop = 2) [09/2022)
**NOTE: NGC’s population report does not include this example specifically; likely due to being incorrectly labeled. However, they do have this issue correctly listed as “1993 LESHER RESTRIKE S$1 CITY OF MINES VICTOR, COLORADO MS” of which 1 has been graded at MS-68.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Struck by the Shawnee Hills Medallists, Business Strike, .925 Silver, 1 Troy ounce, 35mm, Octagonal, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Victor-City Of Mines / (Portrait of the Independence Mine) / The Independence Mine / 1893-1993 / No. 243
REVERSE: Jos.Leshers Referendum Souvenir / (Portrait of the Colorado Mining Association emblem) / 1 Oz. Coin / Silver / Price 1.25 / M’F’D. Victor / Colo. / 1900
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The dawn of 1993 had special importance for this once-great mining camp, as Victor celebrated the centennial of its founding. And, to what did this “City of Gold” turn to observe its milestone? Silver!
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For all its Midas glow, Victor chose to capitalize on the fame of one of its most noted citizens to underwrite the celebration. Joseph Lesher, the issuer of the famed Referendum “dollars,” would make numismatic history.
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The centennial issue possesses elements of the original. Limited to 1,000 serially numbered pieces, these latter-day Leshers were struck on the same drop-hammer press used to produce the originals. The obverse is a faithful reproduction of a Lesher issue. Only the reverse is different, for it pictures the superstructure of one of the most productive gold mines in the district—the Independence.
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The original specimens were coined for Lesher in 1900 and 1901. However, they were stamped in Denver, not in Victor as noted. These dollars were used in trade and stocked by the various merchants who accepted them. All were numbered, some were engraved, and others were stamped with the merchant’s name. All are quite rare, some extremely so. (To learn more about these unique issues, read Adna G. Wilde Jr.’s Lesher Referendum Medals: Where Are They Now?, available from the ANA’s Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library.)“ — Credited Source: “LESHER REFERENDUM DOLLARS”
Edward C. Rochette