(1985) Lesher House Restoration Medal

Coin Details

Description

The (1985) Lesher House Restoration Medal is a modern commemorative silver piece created to raise funds for the restoration of Joseph Lesher's original house in Victor, Colorado. The prominent numismatist Q. David Bowers purchased Lesher's home in 1980 and donated it to the American Numismatic Association (ANA) for use as a museum dedicated to the Lesher Dollar story. This medal was produced to generate the approximately $30,000 needed for restoration of the historic property. The medal was manufactured by the Colorado Badge & Trophy Company with a mintage of 1,000 pieces, each individually serial-numbered using Joseph Lesher's original numbering punches — creating a direct physical connection between the modern commemorative and the original 1900-1901 production. Each medal contains one troy ounce of silver and measures 35mm in diameter, matching the specifications of the original 1900 Lesher Dollars. The obverse reproduces Herman Otto's Pikes Peak mining scene from the original Lesher Dollar dies, while the reverse depicts the Lesher House itself. The ANA sold the medals at $30.00 each. While not a territorial or private currency piece like the original Lesher Dollars, this restoration medal represents an important chapter in the numismatic preservation of Lesher's legacy and connects the collecting community to the physical heritage of one of America's most unusual private coinage enterprises.

Rarity Notes

Mintage of 1,000 pieces, individually serial-numbered using Lesher's original numbering punches. Sold by the ANA at $30.00 each for house restoration.

Cross References

PCGS #933461