Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
TOP POP: Bronze Variety - Brilliant Gem/High-Relief
(Slabbed in Oversized Holder)
*A stunning example of this large, heavy 51mm issue. It’s choice bronze surfaces are incredibly well struck and bare virtually no imperfections with the naked eye. From a grading perspective, this specimen appears to be under-graded. However, it would seem high-relief issues are often challenging to obtain in grades higher than MS-67. Presumably due to the fact high points are more likely to sustain marks/dings. — This example currently resides at the top of NGC’s population report. — Matches its silver counterpart of the same design, yet interestingly different 39mm size, which is also included in this collection.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Struck by the Medallic Art Company, N.Y., to commemorate the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, as well as the Will Rogers Shrine (officially named the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun) located at the edge of the park. The zoo resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Although undated, the medal appears to have been struck in the 1970’s.
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There are 2 versions of this issue; bronze and silver. Interestingly, they are of significantly different sizes; bronze measuring 51mm in diameter and the silver at 39mm. I have found it to be very uncommon to see Medallic Art Company bronze/silver counterparts issued at different sizes. Nevertheless, this certainly makes them historically unique. Both versions reside in this collection and are at the top of their respective population reports. The details of each issue is as follows:
- Bronze Variety: 51mm (NGC MS-65) - TOP POP
- Silver Variety: 39mm (NGC MS-67) - TOP POP
RARITY: Unknown; Likely rare (Extremely difficult to locate examples of both the bronze and silver)
(*TOP POP* NGC Pop = 1; NONE Finer - NGC Total Pop = 1) [04/2022]
**Only example graded by NGC**
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Medallic Art Company, N.Y., Bronze, 51mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Will Rogers Shrine • Cheyenne Mountain / (Depiction of Will Rogers)
REVERSE: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo • Colorado Springs / (Depiction of Giraffe [the most famous exhibit at the park; guests are able to feed them] and Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun in the Background])
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Cheyenne Mountain Zoo):
“The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain in the United States. At an elevation of 6,714 feet (2,046 m) above sea level, it is the highest zoo in America. The zoo covers 140 acres, 40 of which are in use. The zoo houses more than 750 animals, representing nearly 150 different species, with more than 30 endangered species. The zoo was ranked the #4 best zoo in North America in 2018 by USA Today. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.” — Credited Source: "Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 'America's Mountain Zoo' 2010 Fact Sheet" (PDF). www.cmzoo.org. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
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(Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun):
“Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, an operating legacy of El Pomar Foundation, is located on the side of Cheyenne Mountain at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Just above the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, it provides an impressive panoramic view of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. Spencer and Julie Penrose, founders of El Pomar Foundation, commissioned local architect Charles E. Thomas to design the monument.
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Completed in 1937, the Shrine stands 114 feet high and was fashioned from Cheyenne Mountain granite quarried 700 feet away from the building site. It was constructed entirely without nails or wood, and is instead bound together by 200,000 pounds of steel and 30 wagon-loads of cement.
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Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun was named in a two-part tribute. The first is to actor, philosopher and humorist Will Rogers after his untimely death in a plane crash in 1935. The second is in appreciation for the sun, captured each morning and evening as it illuminates the tower’s stark angles.
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The Shrine houses several notable cultural attractions, including a 340-square-foot mural by renowned Santa Fe artist Randall Davey. The mural depicts the history of the Pikes Peak region and was commissioned by Spencer and Julie Penrose in honor of their love for the local area and its rich history. Additionally, photographs of Will Roger’s life are displayed in the stairways and enclaves.
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Perhaps the Shrine’s most iconic feature is its sophisticated instrument. It chimes every quarter hour and on the hour and plays a musical program every day at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 5:00pm. This music, which has played since 1937, can be heard throughout the neighborhood.“ — Credited Source: “Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun” | El Pomar Foundation (elpomar.org)