The Monnier Metallurgical Company

  One of the more obscure items related to Colorado Numismatics is the Monnier Metallurgical Company copper medal. This medal is 65mm in diameter, 8mm thick, and weighs an astounding 156 grams. It was struck by the US Mint at Philadelphia from the first copper produced in Colorado.

  However dated 1866, striking of the medals took place between 1866 and 1870. Sources conflict on the final mintage, however the consensus is that only 50 medals were released from the US Mint and given to stockholders of the company.

  By 1891, 375 medals were still at the US Mint, unpaid for, and taking up space in the Mint cabinets. These 375 medals were destroyed by the Mint and the copper was reused to fulfill new medal orders.

  The Monnier Metallurgical Company medals are rare, with roughly 30 known. These hefty medals exemplify development in mining processes, and mining in early Colorado history.