1914 Montana Gold Quarter Token - X-Tn1

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,146 MS67 03-09-2017 Kagin's

Description

The 1914 Montana Gold quarter, cataloged as X-Tn1 in the Montana territorial token series, is a small gold souvenir piece connected to Montana's storied gold mining heritage. Montana's gold rush began in 1862 with discoveries at Grasshopper Creek (Bannack) and expanded rapidly through Alder Gulch (Virginia City) and Last Chance Gulch (Helena), with the mining industry driving the territory's establishment in 1864 and eventual statehood in 1889. The 1914 gold quarter token pays tribute to Montana's mining legacy through the familiar format of small gold denomination pieces popular throughout the American West. The quarter denomination contains enough gold to provide genuine precious metal content while remaining affordable as a souvenir or collector item. Montana's gold production, while not matching California's enormous output, was substantial enough to support a territorial capital at Virginia City and later Helena, both founded as mining camps. Gold tokens bearing individual state names were produced by several western states in the early twentieth century, creating a loose collecting category that spans California, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and other mining states. Montana gold tokens are among the less common entries in this group, reflecting the state's smaller collector market compared to California. The X-Tn1 designation indicates this is the primary cataloged Montana gold token variety.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Montana gold tokens are uncommon items in territorial numismatics. Approximately 20-40 examples of the quarter denomination survive.

Cross References

PCGS #542562; HK X-Tn1 (Montana Territorial Token)