1901 Colorado Quarto-Centennial Jubilee Medal
Brief Description
These medals were created by the Executive Committee of the Centennial Association, which had been set up to plan and facilitate a 3-day celebration in Colorado Springs to commemorate Colorado’s statehood.
Info
- Date: 1901
- Weight: 12 g
- Size: 32 mm
- ID: CE-J011
- Acquisition Date: July 2025
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Images on this page with the white background were captured with a scanner. Images with grey and other darker colored backgrounds were captured in a light box.
Image Dating Comments
Struck in 1901. The planned medal was mentioned in newspapers in July 1901. The celebration was held Aug 1-3, so the medal was likely struck sometime during July 1901.
Comments & Discussion
This medal shows obvious damage where a loop was once mounted, and later removed. Many commemorative medals from this period were originally intended to be worn as pendants, pins, and other types of jewelry. Mounts located at the top of each medal were often removed as cultural preferences changed, and coins and medals became more desirable than pendants and pins.
The medals are shown below in a more flattering light than in the scanned images.
Two different versions of this medal may have been struck. In July of 1901, the centennial committee decided to have two types of medals struck, and both would feature an image of Pikes Peak on one side. The other side would have an image of Roosevelt on some medals, while others would have the Colorado seal.
Roosevelt was the Vice President at the time. He was to preside over an editors’ banquet that was to be held on Aug. 2nd at the Antlers Hotel as part of the festivities. William J Bryan was also invited. The presence of either at the dinner has not yet been confirmed. All of the state’s newspaper were expected to be represented there. The Victor Record, Volume VI, Number 102, July 11, 1901, p. 1.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: Evidence of original mount is still visible, with some damage to the rim from the removal process. Some oxidation is visible around the dates and other areas.
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