(1876) White Metal So-Called Dollar GW-917, HK-72a, American Colonies

Coin Details

Auction Record

$900 MS63 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

HK-72a is a 1876 so-called dollar commemorating American Colonies. Pre-Civil War commemorative medals were produced by private die sinkers like Charles Cushing Wright and Maltby Pelletreau in New York and Philadelphia, working in copper, brass, and white metal for collectors and event attendees. White metal so-called dollars were the workhorses of the commemorative medal industry, produced in greater numbers than precious metal versions and distributed widely at fairs, expositions, and public events. 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. 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-72, 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-72a are moderately 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-72a; PCGS #642178; NGC #851438