Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Copper over German Silver Variety - Proof Strike
*A deep, lustrous red blazer. As exhibited with its 2 counterparts in the same set, this example is as close to perfect as it gets. The sharp detail gives this piece exceptional draw and appeal which is only enhanced by its flashy, ultra cameo surfaces. — Matches its silver and gilt over german silver counterparts of the same design.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
The piece recognizes bison (buffaloes) as a part of Colorado history, as well as the state's capital, Denver. — Piece is of unknown origin. Research has yielded no results and designer/engraver initials are not present anywhere on the medal. If any information regarding this piece is known, I would be grateful if you reached out.
—————
Overall, 3 proof sets of various compositions are known, each containing 3 medals. Each set was issued in a black velvet case. 2 proof sets contain one-metal varieties; 1 proof set contains bi-metal varieties. They are as follows. All of which are included in this collection:
KNOWN SETS
—————
PROOF SET TYPE 1:
- Brass Alloy (20.5g)
- Silver (31.1g)
- Antiqued Brass (20.0g)
—————
PROOF SET TYPE 2:
- Copper over German Silver (25.5g)
- Silver over German Silver (25.5g)
- Gilt over German Silver (25.5g)
—————
PROOF SET TYPE 3 (BIMETALLIC):
- Copper over German Silver with Gilt Overlay (25.5g)
- Gilt over German Silver with Silvered Overlay (25.5g)
- Silver over German Silver with Copper Overlay (25.5g)
RARITY: Likely extremely rare; I have not encountered or seen any other sets, either from this or the bimetallic proof set. No known or available information on these pieces is also another indication of their rarity.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Proof Strike, Copper over German Silver, 25.5 grams, 39mm, Reeded Edge)
OBVERSE: Colorado / (Image of a Bison) / Buffalo Dollar
REVERSE: The Great State of / (Image of the Denver Capital) / 1876 / Colorado