Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Choice Uncirculated+ — Designated “Proof Like” by NGC
*An exceptionally gorgeous example of this scarce $3 issue; a denomination rarely seen. Stunning golden and apricot surfaces exhibit the deep luster on this brass specimen; all of which is 100% remaining. No loss of luster is exhibited. Proof-like surfaces reflect light incredibly, only adding to the beauty of this exquisite piece. A sharp strike is clearly made apparent by the devices/legends.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Token issued for the “Square Dance Mining Company” in Central City, Colorado for $3 in trade circa early 20th century. Business received mail at P.O. Box 272 as noted on the obverse.
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Scare issue; an estimated 7 examples are known to exist. This piece likely being the finest known in existence, exhibiting a grade of MS64 PL. The “proof-like” designation is rarely seen on trade tokens of this era. The eye-appeal of this example is astonishing and utterly beautiful. — Only issue listed for the Square Dance Mining Company of Central City, Colorado. - Further indication of rarity is exhibited by the fact Pritchard has a photograph listed in his guide of this particular issue (Plate 6 “Fantasy Tokens”). Only a handful of extremely rare issues throughout the guide have photos.
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard CE895
CMT C1625
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~7 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Brass, 28mm, around, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Square Dance Mining Co. / P.O. Box / 272 / Central City, Colo.
REVERSE: Good for / $3 in Native Gold
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Central City, Colorado):
“Henry M. Teller, the president of the Colorado Central Railroad, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of the Interior under President Chester a. Arthur, provided the money to begin construction of the Teller House. A year later, President Ulysses S. Grant arrived at the Teller House where the path from his carriage to the entrance of the hotel was made of silver bars.” — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard