Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Uncirculated+ — 8-Sided Scallop Shaped - Type I (15¢ Surrounded by Stars)
*A handsome example of this exceptionally rare issue and denomination. Almost all original golden luster remains, while hints of orangish-tangerine toning are exhibited on both the obverse/reverse. — A unique and fascinating issue to examine, in both design and shape. - ~15-degree die rotation can be observed; adding to the rarity of the issue. — A personal trade token favorite of mine in this collection for the reasons described above.*
TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Token used at the “Denver Dairy Company” for 15C in trade/refund when returning milk bottle circa early 20th century. The establishment was located at 1037 15th Street as seen on the obverse.
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A rare issue indeed. Pritchard estimates a mere 2 examples of this issue are known to exist, making this piece utterly scarce. Types of this era, particularly those with so few known, are challenging to obtain in high-grades. Additionally, the unique 15C denomination only adds to its historic background and points to the era in which it was used; early 20th century. Preserved in a state of MS-62, the eye-appeal on this specimen is stunning.
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There are two varieties of the Denver Dairy Company 15C; both are rare. Type I (15¢ surrounded by stars) as seen here, and Type II (15¢ without stars). Pritchard estimates ~2 examples of the Type I are known to exist, whereas 3 examples of the Type II variety are believed to have survived. As mentioned, both are very rare; however, the Type I seen here takes the #1 spot. Their associated catalog numbers are listed below.
- Type I: Pritchard DE2630-15a/CMT DE7690f (15¢ surrounded by stars) ~2 known: Included in Collection Here
- Type II: Pritchard DE2630-15b/CMT DE7690g (15¢ without stars) ~3 known
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard DE2630-15a
CMT DE7690f
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~2 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Brass, 29mm, 8-Sided Scallop, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Return with / Bottle / to / Denver / Dairy Co. / 1037 15th St.
REVERSE: 15¢ (surrounded by stars)
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Denver, Colorado):
“Industrious people used to pan the gold that washed off the capital building roof until the state put a gold recovery system in to recover gold leafing weathered off the building.” — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard