1914 Idaho Gold Quarter Token - X-Tn1

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,185 MS64 03-12-2021 eBay

Description

The 1914 Idaho Gold quarter, cataloged as X-Tn1 in the Idaho territorial token series, is a small gold souvenir piece produced in connection with Idaho's mining heritage or a specific exposition or anniversary event. By 1914, Idaho had been a state for twenty-four years (admitted in 1890), and its gold mining industry, while no longer at its 1860s peak, remained an important component of the state economy. Idaho's gold mining history dates to the early 1860s, when discoveries in the Boise Basin, the Salmon River area, and the Coeur d'Alene district drew thousands of prospectors to the region. The 1914 gold quarter token evokes this heritage, using the familiar format of small gold souvenir pieces that had been popular at expositions and as regional collectibles since the California Gold Rush era. The X-Tn1 designation as the first cataloged Idaho territorial token indicates this piece may be the primary or most commonly encountered Idaho gold token variety. Small gold tokens from states other than California and Alaska are relatively unusual, making Idaho examples of particular interest to territorial collectors. The quarter denomination kept the gold content and price low enough to appeal to a broad market of souvenir buyers and collectors while still providing a genuine gold keepsake.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Idaho gold tokens are uncommon, with the state producing far fewer territorial gold pieces than California, Alaska, or Oregon. Approximately 20-40 examples survive.

Cross References

PCGS #658810; HK X-Tn1 (Idaho Territorial Token)