1875 Proof HK-18, Battle of Lexington Centennial Dollar

Coin Details

Description

Unlike its sisters, the white metal version of the Lexington centennial medal did not come from the Philadelphia Mint; Hibler and Kappen record HK-18 as struck outside the Mint, though from the same proof design. Its reverse is all lettering, seven lines with the first and last curved, reading "Centennial / celebration / of the / Battle / of / Lexington / April 19, 1875." Buyers paid a dollar and a half for an unpierced piece and fifty cents for one pierced to hang. The April 1875 crowds, put at about 100,000, swamped a farming village of fewer than 2,300 people; bitter cold, short food and poor transport made for a hard day, and forty Boston policemen were called in. Silver (HK-16), bronze (HK-17) and gold (HK-1004) strikings share the Minute Man seal obverse. White metal, 38 mm.

Cross References

HK-18; PCGS #642049; NGC #850042