1876 So-Called Dollar HK-74b, Declar. of Independence

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as HK-74b, this 1876 so-called dollar honors Declar. of Independence. The Centennial generated the largest single group of so-called dollars in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, with medals struck by the U.S. Mint, private manufacturers, and foreign exhibitors in dozens of metallic compositions. Bronze examples of so-called dollars offer collectors an excellent balance of affordability, condition, and aesthetic appeal. The alloy's hardness produces sharp strikes with fine detail that survives handling better than softer metals. 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. William Barber designed the official U.S. Mint medals for the 1876 Centennial Exposition, establishing the standard for American exposition medal artistry. 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-74, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-74b are scarce. 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-74b; PCGS #642188; NGC #850150