(1876) White Metal So-Called Dollar GW-889, HK-107, White Plains

Coin Details

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-107) from 1876 celebrates White Plains. New York's Crystal Palace exhibition of 1853-1854, designed by Georg Carstensen and Charles Gildemeister in a Greek cross plan with a 100-foot dome, was America's first international exhibition venue before fire destroyed it on October 5, 1858. 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. Early commemorative medals were produced in small quantities by private die sinkers, with white metal and copper being the most common compositions. Distribution was typically limited to event participants and subscribers. 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-107 are moderately scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-107; PCGS #642263; NGC #850199