Owner Comments:
TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Choice Uncirculated+ — Type I (Lettering Variety A)
*Brilliant mirrored fields create whitish silver surfaces when reflecting light. The specimen appears to be proof-like, as the fields are deep and extremely reflective on this smaller 18mm token. The example is so well preserved, the original die polishing marks can be see. An absolutely stunning example of this moderately rare issue. - Higher mint-state grades are uncommon for issues of this era, as they were widely used/circulated. - ~70-degree die-rotation can be observed; adding to the rarity and uniqueness of the piece.*
TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Token used by the “Pioneer Club” in Leadville, Colorado for 12.5C in trade circa 1909-1914.
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There are two known varieties of the Pioneer Club 12.5C denomination; both are relatively scarce with an equal number believed to exist at 31. Each type has a different variety of lettering. Since there is an image of the Type I on Plate 20 of Pritchard’s guide, this example has been identified as the Type I; matching exactly. The Type II has a different font/lettering; however, it is unknown what it looks like.
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Pritchard LE775-12a
CMT LE2860a
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~31 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Aluminum, 18mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Pioneer / Club
REVERSE: Good for / 12½¢ / in Trade
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Leadville, Colorado):
“Once a frontrunner in becoming the state capital. Horace and Baby Doe Tabor had a mine in Leadville and you can still visit their house which is now a museum. The mine, called the Matchless Mine was the place where a destitute Baby Doe Tabor was found frozen to death. Doc Holliday also frequented Leadville as a gambler. One of his favorite haunts was the Board of Trade Saloon.” — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard