Ultra Rare 1890-Dated Railroad Pass, T.P.A., Struck In Silver, Denver, Colorado (9.74 Grams)

1890-Dated Railroad Pass, T.P.A., Struck in Silver, Denver, Colorado, NGC Genuine. Issued at the 1890 Travelers' Protective Association (T.P.A.) annual convention in Denver, Colorado, this thin, embossed card is struck in silver and measures 3.25" x 2." It was used to "Pass Bearer" on all Colorado rails including the Denver & Rio Grande RR, Colorado Midland RR, Union Pacific RR, as well as the Santa Fe RR (although not specifically shown on the card). Delegates attending the annual event were entitled to other benefits such as special concessions at hotels and other transportation agencies.

Embossed with a mountainous scene, a train emerges from a tunnel above Toltec Gorge. A diagonal line bisects the card, with the names of participating railroads and the official T.P.A. Convention date and location shown at odd angles. An additional inscription "COLO GOLD AND SILVER M.F.G. CO., Denver. PURE COLORADO SILVER." appears faintly at the bottom of the card. The card is nicely engraved and ornamented, with an ornate quality similar to the few other rail passes known from the period.

We are aware of just two other auction appearances for this rail pass issue, although George Fuld wrote about it in Coin World on March 30, 1961. The Holabird Americana Western Auction #23, Best of 2003 shows a similar piece as lot 373. Another appeared as lot 3307 in the John J. Ford Collection of Western Territorial Americana (Stack's, 10/2007), which realized $13,800

$3,760 - $13,800

15%

Jossie Martinez | (970) 821-5035 | jossie@fairlightestatesales.com

Pickup Details

Private Residence

Loveland, CO 80538

When to Pickup

Monday, 7/26, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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