Colorado Medals, Coins, Exonumia

This section of the archives contains coins, medals, and other types of so-called dollars that represent Colorado’s mountain history. Most items were scanned. Some were photographed in a light box. Information is included where it is available.

Colorado Centennial & Jubilee Medals

1901 Colorado Quarto-Centennial Jubilee Medal

These medals were created in 1901 to coincide with a three-day celebration of Colorado’s 25th anniversary. More info.

1959 Colorado Gold Rush Centennial - Denver - Rush to Rockies HK-545

The Rush to the Rockies celebration was held statewide to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Colorado’s gold rush. This medal was issued by Leroy H. Bisterfeldt (Denver). The following quantities were struck: 19,000 nickel-silver, 101 gold.

1980 Aspen Centennial $1 Token

The token reads: “This coin is good for one dollar in trade at cooperating businesses in Aspen through December 31, 1980.”

Pikes Peak Medals

1905 Denver G.A.R. Pikes Peak & Mt. Holy Cross EX-P.O.W. Pin & Ribbon

Commissioned for the 1905 G.A.R. Encampment in Denver. Given to a P.O.W. from the Civl War. More info.

1906 Zebulon Pike Southwest Expedition Medal HK-336

Authorized by Congress in 1906, and struck in 4 different metals. Approx. 4,200 of these silver medals were struck. More info.

1906 Zebulon Pike Southwest Expedition Medal HK-338

This is the bronze version of the Southwest Expedition medals which commemorate Zebulon Pike’s discovery of Pikes Peak. More info.

1935 Chevrolet Pikes Peak Medal

There was no auto race in 1935, only a heavy truck race.

1995 American Vecturist Association Pikes Peak Medal

This medal was minted at the behest of the American Vecturist Association convention that was held in Colorado Springs in 1995.

Pikes Peak or Bust by Nevada City Mint

Undated, with very little pitting or signs of aging upon arrival into the archives. Likely from 2000 or later.

Oversized Pikes Peak Summit Medal

Too thick for a scanner, this one was photographed in a light box. The same is true for other high relief tokens and medals on this page.

Pikes Peak High Relief Pendant

This high relief pendant has no markings.

Pikes Peak High Relief Uniface Ram Medal

This medal features a high relief surface with deep contours and a ram in the foreground. There are no date or maker markings.

Pikes Peak Souvenir Token

These small souvenir tokens are commonly found around America’s national parks and tourist destinations.

Pikes Peak Pendant

This is another common pendant. Enco made similar ones for the Berthoud Pass gift shop.

From the Continental Divide

Berthoud Pass Chairlift Pendant

This pendant was likely sold at the Berthoud Pass gift shop inside of the Berthoud Pass Lodge.

Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Pendant

This pendant is similar to the previous one showing the chairlift on the obverse side, and it was also made by the same manufacturer.

Monarch Crest Keychain Pendant

Bates & Klinke was known for manufacturing tokens and pendants like this. They also opened the Monarch Crest gift shop on top of Monarch Pass in 1954.

Colorado Railroad Medals

Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Locomotive #1 Centennial Medal

This bronze proof medal celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Denver & Rio Grande’s Locomotive #1. Sculpting by Jane Lunger. 1,104 minted.

More Colorado Mountain Ski & Transportation Medals

1989 World Alpine Ski Championships Medal

This is a celebratory medal from the 1989 World Alpine Ski Championships, held at both Vail and Beaver Creek. The medal was likely commissioned by the Vail Valley Foundation, which was responsible for the winning bid to have the event held here.

Colorado Medals, Coins, Exonumia

Colorado Centennial & Jubilee Medals

1901 Colorado Quarto-Centennial Jubilee Medal