1876 White Metal So-Called Dollar GW-902, HK-117, U.S. Centennial Exposition

Coin Details

Auction Record

$312 MS62 04-28-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-117) from 1876 celebrates U.S. Centennial Exposition. The 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park was the first official world's fair held in the United States, occupying 285 acres with over 200 buildings and attracting nearly 10 million visitors. Cast or struck in white metal, this piece exhibits the silvery-white appearance characteristic of tin-based alloys. The softness of white metal makes high-grade examples surprisingly scarce despite generous original mintages. 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 has been updated and expanded since its 1963 first edition, with later researchers adding newly discovered varieties and extending coverage into the modern era.

Rarity Notes

HK-117 is moderately scarce 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-117; PCGS #642295; NGC #850211