Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Very Fine+ — Type I (Zinc)
*Although quite worn, the overall example is legible and completely problem-free. The overall appearance is quite interesting, as one rarely sees issues of this kind.*
TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Token used by “C.H. Patterson Owl Cigar Store” in Grand Junction, Colorado for 25C in trade circa 1940. Establishment is listed as having been a cigar stand.
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There are two C.H. Patterson Owl Cigar Store 5C issues; the Type I struck in zinc (8 known) shown here and the Type II struck in aluminum (20 known). The zinc Type I is clearly the rarer of the two.
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A phenomenally rare issue struck in zinc. Only issue in this collection struck from this metal; clearly uncommon and absolutely fascinating from a historical perspective. I feel like lucky to have obtained this particular specimen and have it graded/verified/encapsulated by NGC. It certainly adds to the rich history of Colorado numismatics which is the entire intent of this collection.
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard GR525-25b
CMT G4220a
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~12 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Zinc, 26mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: C.H. Patterson / Owl / Cigar / Store / Grand Junction
REVERSE: Good for / 5¢ / in Trade
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Grand Junction, Colorado):
“After the removal of the Utes, Grand Junction was plotted in 1881 at the junction of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. Initially there were 150 men and 2 women so the call went out that the first lady that got married in town would get a free choice lot, a free ceremony and a guarantee that the knot would be tied hard, soft, tight, or loose. The wedding occurred on August 10, 1882 but there is no record how loose the knot was.” — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard