Owner Comments:
MEDAL APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Brilliant Gem — Designated “Proof Like” by NGC
*Beautiful, untoned frosty surfaces make this piece quite appealing, particularly with its deeply mirrored surfaces. This is not a common occurrence for a medal of this type. — Numerous medals depicting the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train are included in this collection; however, this is one of my favorites designs.*
MEDAL BACKGROUND:
Struck to commemorate the D. & R.G. Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train of Colorado, as well as to recognize the Durango Rotary Club. This medal also marks the 50th anniversary of Durango, Colorado.
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There are numerous medals recognizing the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train, as well as the Durango Rotary Club. It appears to Rotary Club issued a different medal each year from ~1978-~1988. I have seen many of these come to auction; however, did not feel a deep desire to try and collect all of them. Therefore, I wanted to obtain what I felt was an adequate sampling of earlier Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train/Durango Rotary Club medals. Listed below is what I have included in this collection which has both Rotary Club Medals and those exclusive to the Narrow Gauge Train. Their details are shown below:
- 1979 Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train/Durango Rotary Club: German Silver Commemorative Medal (MGC MS-65 PL)
- 1980 Durango Centennial (Obverse Depicts Narrow Gauge Train)/Durango Rotary Club: German Silver Commemorative Medal (NGC MS-66 DPL)
- 1982 Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Rail Line: Bronze Commemorative Medal (NGC MS-64 RB)
- 1983 Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train/Durango Rotary Club: German Silver Commemorative Medal (NGC MS-67)
RARITY: Unknown; Likely uncommon
NGC Census not available.
MEDAL DESCRIPTION:
(German Silver, 40mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: D. & R.G. Narrow Gauge Train / (Depiction of Locomotive) / 1881-1971 / Durango, Colorado
REVERSE: Durango Rotary Club / 1929 / (Rotary Club International Emblem) / 1979 / “Service Above Self” / This coin is good for one dollar / in trade at cooperating / businesses in Durango / through April 30, 1980. / Durango 50th Anniversary Dollar
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
(Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad):
“The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.” — Credited Source: Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum
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(High Noon Rotary Club of Durango):
“The High Noon Rotary Club of Durango was born on March 13, 1979 sponsored by the Durango Rotary Club on their 50th anniversary . The High Noon Club of Durango formally celebrated its charter in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Durango Rotary Club on May 1, 1979 with then District Governor Bob Burghart, Jr making the presentation. The District Governor noted that at the time, as far as he was able to determine, this joint celebration was the “only one of its type in the history of Rotary International.” — Credited Source: Durango High Noon Rotary (https://durangohighnoonrotary.com/index.php/history/)