Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Uncirculated+
*Stunningly brilliant uncirculated example of this scarcer trade token. Deep mirrored fields resemble that of proof-like quality which exhibit sharp details/devices in contrast. Minimal contact marks prevent this piece from obtaining a higher grade.*
TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Trade token used by the Bayfield JAD in the early 1900s. — Pritchard estimates just ~27 examples are known to exist. Of the five denominations issued (5C, 25C, 50C, $1.00 & $5.00) two are included in this collection; the 5C variety and the 25C. All five denominations have an estimated survival of 29 examples or less, making each particulary scarce.
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Only 9 trade/merchant token issues are documented from Bayfield, Colorado. 5 of the 9 are from the JAD series. The other two issuers are the Bayfield Pool Hall (aluminum 5C & 10C) and C.G. Lenning (5C), a local billiard parlor, confectionary, and barber shop.
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard BA750-5
CMT B420a
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~27 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Aluminum, 22mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Bayfield / JAD / Colorado
REVERSE: Good for / 5C / in Trade
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Bayfield, Colorado):
"The original settlement in the Pine River Valley was named Los Piños. It consisted of approximately fifteen families." — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard