(1876) Copper So-Called Dollar HK-44, Independence Hall Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 MS64 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

Cataloged as HK-44, this 1876 so-called dollar honors Independence Hall. Before the great exposition era, American commemorative medals documented the young republic's infrastructure achievements, from the Erie Canal's 1825 completion to the transcontinental telegraph in 1861. Copper so-called dollars were produced in moderate quantities, offering event attendees and collectors an affordable commemorative at the time of issue. Original red copper surfaces are scarce, with most survivors showing brown patina. Early commemorative medals were produced in small quantities by private die sinkers, with white metal and copper being the most common compositions. Distribution was typically limited to event participants and subscribers. Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen spent decades cataloging American dollar-sized medals, creating a reference work that transformed a scattered collecting field into an organized numismatic specialty.

Rarity Notes

HK-44 is common to moderately scarce in the numismatic market. Production quantities for post-Civil War era commemorative medals were typically modest, and survival rates vary significantly based on the original distribution method and the material's durability.

Cross References

HK-44; PCGS #642112; NGC #850102