Fresh Back From NGC: This One's For Keets...

braddick

As difficult as it is to locate circulated early Commemoratives, the chore in locating problem free, low grade circulated metals and tokens is even tougher. The premiums these sold for at the time of issue plus the inablility to spend these precludes most from ever receiving wear. This one photo'd is from 1904 and is a bit larger than a half dollar. It offers hard, dove gray, problem free surfaces and must have been carried as a pocket piece. My search for metals such as this usually only turn up one or two every year, at best.

K6AZ

How do you suppose that medal became circulated? As a pocket piece?

kamehameha00

Perhaps someone spent it as a dollar when times were hard in the Depression?

291fifth

Hard to believe that medal would not have picked up more dings and knicks while being carried around in someone's pocket for many years. A very unusual piece of exonumia.

braddick

<< <i>How do you suppose that medal became circulated? As a pocket piece? >>

I could only speculate. This is one I picked up at auction off of eBay over the summer- I think Keets was chasing after it too. I was impressed when it arrived with smooth, problem free surfaces with none of the typcial shiny polish look that these will take on when carried around.

XpipedreamR

Is this a so-called dollar? What exactly does that mean?

keets

hey Pat

as hard as it is to believe, i've seen ones with more wear!!

al h.

JohnZ

Is this a so-called dollar? What exactly does that mean?

Yeah, that's my question as well. What does a denomination have to do with this piece?

Shamika

The combination of patina and design on the reverse is beautifu! It looks better than when in mint state.

braddick

<< <i>hey Pat as hard as it is to believe, i've seen ones with more wear!! al h. >>

How? Where these ever spent and if so, what was the value? Or, more likely, they were carried around as good luck charms, I'd imagine. Keets (or, anyone!) do you know what the issue price on these were and also, an estimate of the mintage?

mrfred

I agree -- most likely it was a pocket piece. The wear looks even, as if its owner rubbed it the same way regularly.

1jester

Good thing the owner didn't rub it the WRONG way...

Interesting piece. I suppose I just don't see the appeal of trying to collect the worst condition examples of coins.

dorkkarl

that is extremely kool!

K S