1876 Silver So-Called Dollar GW-885, HK-93, Sullivan's Island

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,880 MS66+ 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-93) from 1876 celebrates Sullivan's Island. Memorial Hall, built beneath a 150-foot dome in the Beaux-Arts style, housed the exposition's art gallery as the only permanent structure constructed for the fair and survives today in Fairmount Park. Silver examples of so-called dollars were produced for collectors and dignitaries, making them consistently scarcer than their base metal counterparts. The precious metal content adds intrinsic value beyond numismatic appeal. 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. Collectors of so-called dollars pursue pieces by exposition, metal type, engraver, geographic region, or historical theme, with complete sets of certain exposition groups being particularly prized accomplishments.

Rarity Notes

HK-93 is scarce to rare 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-93; PCGS #642239; NGC #850183