Pewter Piece
2004 NORFED "Sixth Anniversary Fair" Pewter Commemorative Token
Overview
The NORFED "Sixth Anniversary Fair" hand-struck pewter commemorative token was created exclusively for attendees of the Sixth Anniversary Fair in Evansville, Indiana in October of 2004. This was minted during the grand opening of the Liberty Dollar Fulfillment Center and represents a unique piece of NORFED history. The details of its creation have been preserved through documentation by former RCO Ron Goodger and input from those directly involved in its production.
Manufacturing Process
The tokens were produced using a traveling mini-mint exhibit operated by the Gallery Mint Museum, led by Master Engraver Ron Landis and his partner Joe Rust. Pewter, chosen for its malleability, allowed the minting to be completed on-site with portable equipment. The process included the following steps:
- Pouring Metal: Craftsmen poured molten pewter into molds to create the initial blank.
- Rolling to Thickness: The blanks were rolled to the proper thickness for striking.
- Punching Planchets: Planchets were cut from the rolled blanks.
- Edge Stamping: The edges were roll stamped with "Gallery Mint" before striking the design.
- Striking the Design: The obverse and reverse designs were applied using a hand-operated screw press.
While around 200 attendees witnessed the minting demonstration, the exact number of tokens produced or sold remains uncertain.
Design Details
- Obverse: Features a high-relief Mercury Head design with "LIBERTY" above, "In God We Trust" to the lower left, and "est. 1998" at the bottom. This was a stock design modified with commemorative details.
- Reverse: Displays the NORFED torch and rays logo, with "Sixth Anniversary Fair" inscribed above and "2004" below. The capital "E" marks Evansville, Indiana, the fair’s location.
- Edge: Roll stamped with "Gallery Mint," which repeats once around the circumference.
The reverse die was specifically commissioned by Bernard von NotHaus and retained by him after the event, while the obverse was also used for tokens produced at a separate Community First Bank event in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Size and Composition
The token is approximately the size of a US nickel and made of pewter, an alloy containing tin, antimony, copper, bismuth, and occasionally silver. Its soft composition allowed for easier minting during the event.
Condition and Quality
As hand-struck pieces, these tokens exhibit characteristics typical of artisanal minting:
- Design Alignment: The design may not be perfectly centered.
- Finish Quality: The surface finish is not proof-grade but reflects high-quality craftsmanship for a hand-struck token.
Collector's Value
Although the token has no denomination and was not intended for circulation, it holds value for collectors due to its:
- Rarity: An estimated 200 pieces were created, though exact figures are unknown.
- Historical Significance: Represents a pivotal moment in NORFED history.
- Numismatic Interest: Highlights the craftsmanship and unique production methods used at the event.
2004 NORFED "Sixth Anniversary Fair" Silver Commemorative Prototype
In addition to the hand-struck pewter tokens minted at the Liberty Dollar Fair in Evansville, Indiana in 2004, a select few silver prototypes were created beforehand using the same dies. These silver pieces, commissioned by Bernard von NotHaus and struck by the Gallery Mint Museum stand out as some of the rarest artifacts from the Sixth Anniversary celebration.
Unlike the pewter tokens, which were minted on-site with portable equipment, these silver prototypes required a stronger minting setup and were completed prior to the event. Encased in mylar flips with a stamped green "Gallery Mint Museum" seal and with an estimated mintage of only 30 to 50 pieces, these silver tokens are exceptionally rare.