1878 HK-832, Bronze Whipple Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$300 MS62 02-07-2021 David Lawrence RC

Description

This 1878 Whipple Dollar (HK-832) is a bronze piece cataloged in the monetary section of the Hibler-Kappen so-called dollar reference. The 1878 Whipple Dollar (HK-832) dates from a period of intense monetary debate in America, when the silver question dominated political discourse following the 1873 demonetization of silver. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878, passed that same year over President Hayes's veto, partially restored silver coinage by requiring the Treasury to purchase $2-4 million worth of silver bullion monthly. Each HK number represents a distinct combination of design, composition, and die state, creating a collecting framework that rewards careful study and attention to detail. The monetary so-called dollars occupy a special niche within this framework, as they represent not just commemorative art but actual experiments in private coinage, political advocacy through medallic form, and commentary on the great monetary debates that shaped American economic history.

Rarity Notes

This 1878 so-called dollar is generally scarce in the numismatic market. Gilt examples are collected by specialists in so-called dollars and American medallic art.

Cross References

HK-832; PCGS #643570