Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
51 Dots on Border Variety - Brilliant Gem
*A stunning example of this scarce issue in German Silver. Brilliant, lustrous, untoned fields enhance the overall appearance of this sharp strike. The level of preserved detail is exceptional and a fascinating addition to this collection, as it represents the early 20th-century of Cripple Creek, CO.*
TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Trade token used by The Elks Lodge No. 316 in Cripple Creek, Colorado.
—————
There are two types listed for this issue. This specific example is the ‘51 dots on border’ variety (vs 59 dot variety). 51 is the scarcer of the two types with an estimated 39 examples known to exist verses 44 on the latter. — Additionally, German silver was not as widely used as brass and aluminum during the early 20th-century Colorado merchant market; making this piece all the more fascinating and historic. Factor in the scarce variety and the condition of brilliant gem? You have yourself a rare piece of Colorado history!
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard CR1200-51
CMT CS5640a
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~39 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(German Silver, 21mm, Round, Plain Edge, 51-Dot Variety)
OBVERSE: (Elks Head) / 316
REVERSE: Two Miles High / Cripple / Creek / (bow)
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Cripple Creek, Colorado):
"Once gold was discovered in 1891, the railroads descended on Cripple Creek. One little known but very familiar railroad was the Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railroad or DS&CCD. Haven’t heard of it? Try the Short Line Railroad on your Monopoly board.” — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard