After gold had been discovered in the area in 1859, within a few years, the focus had shifted to the incredible silver ore deposits. Georgetown was a legitimate boom town by 1867, and it became the town that influential Easterners wanted to build into a permanent city. In 1877, Georgetown, Colorado reached its peak of prosperity.
Pictured above, is the town of Georgetown Colorado in the 1860’s.
Sons of prominent Eastern businessmen arrived with capital to build the city, churches of several denominations were established, and Georgetown was destined to become the cultural center of the Colorado mining districts.
Although the significance of the September 3rd, 1877 date is not known, it seems likely that the ingot featured on this page was produced by the only assayer in town who was advertising collectible pieces, custom made to order, such as silver “rose buttons” and bars, James R. Morris of The Miners’ Assay Office.
1.77 oz September 3rd, 1877 Silver Ingot
Just two weeks before this 1.77oz silver ingot was made, the Colorado Central Railroad, financed by Jay Gould, had made it to Georgetown. After the last tracks were laid, there was a great celebration with 8,000 people in attendance.
No public auction appearances are known for this ingot.