1876 So-Called Dollar HK-79a, Declar. of Independence

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,200 MS62 06-10-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1876 Declar. of Independence so-called dollar (HK-79a) is a commemorative piece from the U.S. Centennial Exposition series. 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. The bronze composition of this piece reflects the medallic tradition dating to classical antiquity. Bronze so-called dollars typically survive in better condition than white metal examples due to the alloy's greater hardness and durability. 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. The Hibler-Kappen catalog, first published in 1963 by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen, systematically organized American so-called dollars for the first time, assigning HK numbers that remain the standard reference today. This piece is a variant of HK-79, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-79a are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Post-Civil War era commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation. Variant types are generally scarcer than the primary issue.

Cross References

HK-79a; PCGS #642199; NGC #851839