1876 GW-824, HK-74, White Metal, 1st Die Decleration Colonial Independence Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$576 MS66 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-74) from 1876 celebrates 1st Die Decleration Colonial Independence. The Women's Pavilion was the first building at any international exposition funded, designed, managed, and filled entirely by women, showcasing female inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs from across the nation. The white metal composition reflects the practical economics of medal production in this era. Tin-based alloys allowed manufacturers to produce large quantities at low cost while maintaining acceptable detail and appearance. The U.S. Mint struck official Centennial medals designed by William Barber, while private firms produced hundreds of additional varieties. The Centennial group is the largest in the HK catalog. Morgan's artistic legacy extends beyond coinage to include numerous commemorative medals that showcase his distinctive portrait and eagle designs. 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

So-called dollars from the post-Civil War era were produced in limited quantities for distribution at events or through numismatic channels. White Metal examples of HK-74 are moderately scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-74; PCGS #642184; NGC #850149