Owner Comments:
BIMETALLIC TOKEN APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Almost Uncirculated: Details (Graffiti)
*Uncertain if NGC’s destination of “graffiti” is completely accurate, as nothing distinctive or distinguishable can me made out from the small markings. Additionally, and when analyzing the token, the small, light lines appear non-deliberate. However, I am unaware if graffiti is classified as deliberate or not. In either case, it is unfortunate, considering the piece is in AU condition. Furthermore, $1.00 denomination bimetal tokens are not common issues in general. — The level of detail in the strike, particularly on the reverse, is exquisite. Rich golden original luster still remains on the brass portion of the example. - Still an exceptionally rare and pleasing example of this bimetallic dollar.*
BIMETALLIC TOKEN BACKGROUND:
Bimetallic issue struck for the “The Pastime” in Rifle, Colorado. Token was used for $1.00 in trade. Pritchard notes this as a pool hall circa 1920-1925. The establishment was owned by local proprietor I.H. Williams as seen on the obverse. — The Pastime series includes the following denominations: 5C, 10C, 25C, 50C & $1. All denominations were struck in either brass or aluminum, except for the bimetal dollar shown here. Additionally, this issue is the “only” bimetallic issue ever issued from Rifle, CO.
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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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The only $1.00 denomination bimetallic issue in my collection (of the 10 currently owned). This should indicate rarity level.
CATALOG NUMBER(S):
Schenkman P55-100
Pritchard RI508-100
CMT R2955e
RARITY: Pritchard estimates ~8 examples are known.
(Issue is valued by Pritchard at $32-64 which is one of the highest in the entire guide [© 2004]; another indication of rarity.)
NGC Census not available.
BIMETALLIC TOKEN DESCRIPTION:
(Rifle, Colorado, Bimetal [Brass/Aluminum], 38mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: The Pastime / Rifle, / Colo. / I.H. Williams
REVERSE: Good for / 1⁰⁰ / in Merchandise/ Patd / July 1899
HISTORICAL TOWN/CITY BACKGROUND:
(Rifle, Colorado):
“‘Roadside History of Colorado’ by James McTighe tells an interesting story of a pioneer who built a large log cabin with a magnificent fireplace made of the attractive native stone. He invited all his friends and neighbors for a grand get together, lighting a fire in the grand fireplace. The native rock was oil shale and the local paper reckoned that that was about the most spectacular housewarming ever put on in that area!” — Credited Source: Stuart Pritchard