Winning Set Details

2024/25 Best Presented Set

70553 Points

Jayhawk Gold’s M.E. Hart's Coins of the Golden West

By Jayhawk Gold

M.E. Hart’s “Coins of the Golden West” Much has been written about the enigmatic M.E. Hart and “Hart’s Coins of the Golden West” that were sold at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition (PPE) in San Francisco as an affordable alternative to the US issued PPE commerative coins. Locke, Owens, Hyder and others have researched the possible identities of M.E. Hart and provided evidence of who it might have been. From a collecting standpoint it doesn’t really matter, but as a romantic, I prefer Mary E. Hart. She was an adventurous and successful woman who spent time in an untamed and unforgiving part of the world, the Alaska Territory. The 36 token sets were originally packaged in a hammered copper frame with purple velvet lining and ribbons, manufactured by Shreve & Co. Denominations of 1/4, 1/2 and One were included as follows: Alaska had 4 different sets, California had different 4 sets, and Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington were represented by 1 set each, all made of native 10k gold. Additionally, the 36 tokens were sold individually, and an advertising card was produced offering them for sale. One of the cards was sold at auction a few years ago, and several others are known to be in private collections. At least two complete sets of the 36 tokens have appeared at auction over the years. Jay Roe believed that there may have been as few as 8 complete sets sold. The pieces included in the complete sets are generally the more common varieties. As might be expected, with the PPE in California, the California tokens like the ones in the set survive in greater numbers and in better condition than the others. Several different obverse Indian head dies were used on several of the Alaska and California tokens, and some were interchanged between the two types, resulting in several rare combinations. There also exists interesting dates and dies that are obviously made by the same engraver, likely after the PPE, but not included in the Hart’s set in the Red Book. There are also other examples that Jay Roe called pattern pieces, all of which are relatively rare. Some of the “slots” in the set have more than one token included. Those additional tokens have different dates, obverse/reverse dies, or major die re-engraving as attributed below. Die variety attribution courtesy of MEHartgold.com and rarity comments calgoldcoin.com (Mike Locke) See Custom Sets, Tokens and Medals, for additional dates and die marriages not in the Competitive Set. Includes some seldom seen rarities. Read more...

Jayhawk Gold’s M.E. Hart's Coins of the Golden West

By Jayhawk Gold

Owner Comments:

Gallery

NGC Expert Comments:

Jayhawk Gold presents a complete and charming set of Hart’s Coins of the Golden West, gold tokens sold at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. His introduction sets the stage for this highly specialized collection, evoking the American frontier spirit. Each piece—tiny in size but large in charm—is photographed in clear detail, and the collector provides Locke reference numbers and rarity ratings for every item. These gold tokens are unique mementos of the California and Yukon gold rush eras, and this set captures their appeal with both precision and affection. A brilliant example of what makes token and medal collecting so compelling.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

The NGC Registry is not endorsed by or associated with PCGS or CAC. PCGS is a registered trademark of Collectors Universe, Inc. CAC is a trademark of Certified Acceptance Corporation.

Add Coin

Join NGC for free to add coins, track your collection and participate in the NGC Registry. Learn more >

Join NGC

Already a member? Sign In

The NGC Registry is not endorsed by or associated with PCGS or CAC. PCGS is a registered trademark of Collectors Universe, Inc. CAC is a trademark of Certified Acceptance Corporation.

There is never any charge to contact us. To reach a customer service representative, call, text or WhatsApp (+1) 855-472-3310 or use this form.