1876 Silver So-Called Dollar HK-81a, U.S. Centennial Expo

Coin Details

Description

Designated HK-81a in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1876 piece commemorates U.S. Centennial Expo. President Grant and Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil jointly started the Corliss Engine on opening day, May 10, 1876, while Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the telephone and the Remington typewriter made its public debut. Struck in silver, this piece represents a premium metallic composition among so-called dollars. Silver examples were typically produced in smaller quantities than base metal issues and command strong collector interest. 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. Barber's engraving style combined classical European training with American patriotic iconography, producing medals of exceptional technical quality. 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. This piece is a variant of HK-81, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings of HK-81a are scarce to rare. Post-Civil War era medals were often distributed at events, with many entering circulation as pocket pieces rather than being preserved as collectibles.

Cross References

HK-81a; PCGS #642206; NGC #850161