Alaska Gold Mines Co. Gold Presentation Piece
Hand Engraved, Dated March 1, 1915
0.851 oz 1915-Dated Hand-Engraved Gold Presentation Piece for Alaska Gold Mines Co., Thane, Alaska
30 mm, 0.851 troy ounces of gold (fineness unknown). An engraved presentation piece commemorating the first mill run of gold ore at the prominent Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co. mill at Thane, Alaska. One side of the plain gold medal is engraved in the center: Gold / From First / Mill Run / March 1st / 1915; and around the border is engraved: ALASKA GOLD MINES CO. THANE ALASKA. The other side of the medal is an engraved scene of the Alaska-Gastineau gold mine mill and beachside buildings as they appeared in 1915 on the banks of what is now named the Gastineau Channel. The Alaska Gold Mines Co. was formed in 1912 to finance the Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co., which built the large, iconic mill on the slopes outside Thane, Alaska, approximately four miles down river from Juneau, that became operational in early 1915.
The distinctive Gastineau mill and surrounding buildings engraved on this presentation piece are a close match to all known historical photographs of the mining site and mill from the period. This piece is one of two known to exist. Both were acquired over the counter by the current consignor more than two decades ago. One has since gone into the cabinet of an Alaska collector, while the other is offered here. The engraving is sharp and detailed, and the reddish-gold surfaces are satiny with no distracting abrasions. An important relic of the famous Juneau, Alaska gold mining operations that occurred during the early 20th century.
[11/2020] https://coins.ha.com/itm/ingots/1915-dated-hand-engraved-gold-presentation-piece-for-alaska-gold-mines-co-thane-alaska-uncertified/a/1321-3824.s ($9,000)