Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Almost Uncirculated+
*A handsome, well-struck specimen with phenomenal eye-appeal. The well defined, dark brown, sharp lettering/devices standout against golden-brown surfaces. ~85%+ original luster can be seen throughout this significantly rare piece; Intricate detail in the interwoven design of the “2” on the reverse. — Known as a “slider,” this example could go for AU-58 or MS-60, as slight wear on the high points is extremely difficult to observe, even upon close examination. However, NGC has determined the example to grade AU-58.*
TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Token used at the “Gahan Bros Bar” in Denver, CO for 2.5C in trade circa 1910.
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Just one issue is listed under the Gahan Bros Bar of Denver, CO and only 1 example is believed to exist. If true, you’re looking at it in an exceptionally well-preserved, problem-free fashion! — A very rare piece that I’m grateful to have residing in this collection, especially in a grade of AU-58, as early 20th century merchant tokens were widely used and circulated.
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard DE3445
CMT DE2970
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~1 example is known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Brass, 23mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Gahan / Bros / Bar
REVERSE: Good for / 2½¢ / in Trade
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Denver, Colorado):
"Industrious people used to pan for 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