In 1859 Dr. John Parsons of Quincy, Illinois, came to the South Park area of Colorado. In the following year, 1860, he set up coining presses at Tarryall.

Quarter eagles and half eagles were issued bearing his imprint. The obverse of each depicted a stamping mill of the type used to reduce gold-bearing quartz. The word ORO, Spanish for "gold," appears on each. The reverse shows a perched eagle, similar to the United States design, but with different inscriptions. Although issues of Parsons are said to have enjoyed a wide circulation in Denver and surrounding areas, today examples are exceedingly rare.