Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Genuine: Type II (1.50” 38mm Medal; “2020” Large Date)
(ANACS Authenticated - Sample Slab) — Mint Errors: Brockage/“2020” Double Struck
*A lightly toned issue in uncirculated condition. An interesting piece to observe, as the diameter is 38mm, but the specimen weighs just 7.6g of .999 silver. Therefore, the planchet/disc is very thin. — This example is also noted for its somewhat extreme brockage error. When looking closely at the reverse, a mirror of 2020 can be seen as somewhat blurred. Slightly distorted mirror imprints of the Bronco horse and the legend “DENVER COIN EXPO” can also be seen on the reverse. Additionally, “2020” appears to be double-struck on the obverse, which is listed as a potential Type II variety. — A genuinely fascinating issue, particularly for the era it was struck (height of the COVID-19 pandemic) at an in-person event, the significant brockage and double-struck date errors, an extremely low mintage figure where several sub-varieties exist, and being housed in an ANACS sample slab.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
$5 commemorative medal struck circa 2020 to recognize the biannual Fall 2020 Denver Coin Exposition which was held at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado from October 1-3, 2020. — In total, 4 types exist with numerous sub-varieties. This specific example is a Type II (1.50” 38mm Medal) with brockage and double-struck date Mint errors. Details are shown below.
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Issues were limited, as these commemorative medals were made at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, making for a fascinating issue due to the time it was struck. Colorado was in a lockdown in October of 2020. Therefore, very few people actually attended the event. The official response from the host was as follows: “Bring your face coverings, your walking shoes, and your excitement - The Fall 2020 Denver Coin Expo is on! We will be following Covid19 guidelines so that you can get the most out of your experience while staying safe!”
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Numerous Sub-Varieties of the Type II (1.50” 38mm Medal) Shown Here:
Struck on Handy & Harman 1.50” thin discs, about 6.35 to 7.65 grams, .999 silver: ~450 minted. This example specifically is noted on the slab as weighing 7.6g. Some issues had rotated dies, up to about 45 degrees. Some had no date. Four were counter-stamped at Moonlight Mint with small "2020" date (1/16" tall). Starting in 2020, most were counter-stamped by the show promoter with a large date (3/32" tall). The dates issued were: “2020" (small and large date) and 5/4/2022" (large date). As seen in the photos, this example is a “2020” large date.
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ADDITIONAL VARIETIES:
- Type I: Struck on Handy & Harman 1.25" thin discs, 3.25 grams, 999 silver: 1 minted. No date imprinted.
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- Type III: Struck on Handy & Harman 1.75" thin discs, 10.30 grams, 999 silver: ~150 minted. Some had rotated dies, up to about 15 degrees. Some had no date. Four were counter-stamped at Moonlight Mint with small "2020" date (1/16" tall). Starting in 2020, some may have been counter-stamped by the show promoter with a large date (3/32" tall).
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- Type IV: Struck on 39mm 1-troy-oz 999 silver blank, reeded edge: 3 minted. At least one has no date.
RARITY: 450 (Total Struck)
Yet numerous sub-varieties exist. This example has a significant brockage visible on the reverse, a double-struck date seen on the obverse, and is housed in an ANACS sample slab; making it all the more rare.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(Struck on Handy & Harman Thin Disc, .999 Silver, 7.6g, 38mm, Round, Plain Edge - Brockage/Double Strike Errors)
OBVERSE: The Denver Coin Expo / (Bucking Bronco Horse) / 2020 (Large Date)
REVERSE: Colorado - 999 / Good for / $5 / Trade (Inside Image of Colorado Flag)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(The Denver Coin Exposition):
“As of 2022, the Denver Coin Exposition has been the premier Coin and Collectible exposition in the Rocky Mountain region for over 30 years.” — Credited Source: The Denver Coin Expo Home Page