1983 Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Races Souvenir Token Bolotie
Jewelry (Bolo Tie) · Calgary Stampede and the Royal Canadian Mint; officially authorized commemorative issue for the 1983 festival.
Pattern: Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Races Annual Collector Coin series (1983 edition).
Type
Jewelry (Bolo Tie)
Maker
Calgary Stampede and the Royal Canadian Mint; officially authorized commemorative issue for the 1983 festival.
Material
Nickel-silver or silver-plated base metal token set in a gold-toned brass or plated base metal serrated bezel. The cord is blue braided nylon. Not sterling silver.
Dimensions
Coin diameter approximately 38mm (standard crown size); total bezel diameter approx. 45mm; cord length approx. 36 inches.
Description
This is a classic piece of Western Canadiana, featuring a 1983 Calgary Stampede souvenir 'dollar' token repurposed as a bolo tie. The medallion depicts the iconic chuckwagon races, known as the Rangeland Derby. These tokens were issued annually and could be used as currency at participating merchants in Calgary during the festival before being kept as mementos.
Key Features
1983 date; chuckwagon racing motif; 'Value in Calgary One Dollar' text; blue braided cord; sunburst/serrated gold-tone bezel.
Material & Composition
Nickel-silver or silver-plated base metal token set in a gold-toned brass or plated base metal serrated bezel. The cord is blue braided nylon. Not sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin and high-polish relief on the coin; die-struck design featuring a chuckwagon and team of horses. The border is a decorative 'sawtooth' stamped bezel in a gold finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse usually contains 'Calgary Stampede' logo. Obverse stamped with 'CHUCKWAGON RACES 1983' and 'VALUE IN CALGARY ONE DOLLAR EXPIRES AUGUST 31, 1983'. No sterling or 925 marks present.
Construction Details
Commercial die-striking for the coin; machine-pressed bezel; cord ends typically finished with metal tips (aguillets). Mass-production techniques.
Functional Features
Sliding clasp on the reverse to adjust the height on the cord; decorative 'trade dollar' function once allowed it to be spent during the Stampede.
Handle & Grip Details
Blue braided synthetic cord with a simple friction-slide mechanism on the back of the medallion.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade; decent strike relief on the horses and wagon, but the bezel and cord are standard souvenir-quality components rather than fine jewelry.
Authentication Indicators
Year and text matches known Calgary Stampede trade dollar issues from 1983; construction is consistent with mass-produced souvenirs of the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada; minted for the Calgary Stampede organization as part of a long-standing regional tradition.
Era & Period
Modern Era / 1980s Western Americana memorabilia.
Age Estimate
1983 (dated on the obverse).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth'; symbolizes Alberta's ranching heritage and the specific cultural importance of the chuckwagon race event.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The blue cord shows minor fraying; the bezel has slight tarnish; the coin face shows standard age toning and some surface scratches. Price tag of $4.99 is adhered to the cord.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD. While the thrift price is $4.99, they typically sell for slightly more in Western boutiques or on auction sites to collectors of Stampede memorabilia.
Care & Maintenance
Gently wipe the metal with a soft cloth. Avoid silver dips as this is likely plated or nickel-based; keep cord dry to prevent rot or discoloration.
Similar Pieces
Other Calgary Stampede years (1970s-present); Montana Silversmiths bolo ties (usually higher quality/sterling overlay); souvenir coins from other North American rodeos.
Interesting Facts
These tokens were produced in large quantities (often 100,000+) and were a staple of Calgary's 'Stampede Bucks' promotion to encourage tourism.