Owner Comments:
BIMETALLIC TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Uncirculated: Details (Improperly Cleaned)
Although this example unfortunately shows signs of improper cleaning on the aluminum section of the reverse (commonly seen on bimetallic tokens), the example itself is certainly uncirculated; also noted by NGC’s Details grade. The devices are extremely sharp and well struck, as particularly noted by the intricate detail of the design/lettering/legends on the reverse; all are crystal clear which is rare for issues of this period. “PAT. JULY 1899” is so pronounced, it draws one in, boasting the level of detail put into the design, strike, and preservation of the piece.*
BIMETALLIC TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Bimetallic issue struck for the Elks Club Lodge No. 1053 in Montrose, Colorado. Token was used for 5C in trade.
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Not only are bimetallic tokens rare themselves, I’ve found problem-free examples to be even less common; particularly those in higher AU-mint state condition. This is likely due to their frequent usage during the era in which they were actually used as merchant trade tokens.
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There are two bimetallic tokens from the Elk’s Club No. 1053 in this collection, yet of different varieties and denominations. Nevertheless, the small sub-set created is significantly rare. They are cataloged as follows in Schenkman, Pritchard, and the Colorado Merchant Token guide (CMT):
- Schenkman E100-5/Pritchard MO455-5/CMT M5450a: 5C: No Elks Head ~11 Known
- Schenkman E111-10/Pritchard MO446-10a/CMT M5455b - 10C: Elks Head (Curved PAT - period on the reverse) ~5 Known
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Schenkman E100-5
Pritchard MO455-5
CMT M5450a
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~11 examples are known
NGC Census not available.
BIMETALLIC TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Montrose, Colorado, Bimetal [Brass/Aluminum], 20mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: Elk’s Club / No. / 1053 / Montrose, Colo.
REVERSE: Good for / 5 / Pat. July 1899 /in Merchandise
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Montrose, Colorado):
“Joe Selig, the town founder, named Montrose for the Duchess of Montrose, a character created by Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish writer. Now Montrose serves as the gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a site that you should not miss. It’s kind of Colorado’s answer to the Grand Canyon.” — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard