1878 Nickel Copper So-Called Dollar HK-120e,-Plated WY Battle Centennial

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as HK-120e, this 1878 so-called dollar honors -Plated WY Battle Centennial. The 1909 Hudson-Fulton Celebration in New York commemorated Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage and Robert Fulton's 1807 steamboat, with naval parades, replicas of the Half Moon and Clermont, and commemorative medals. The copper composition places this piece among the standard production varieties for so-called dollars of its era. Copper examples develop attractive natural patinas ranging from red-brown to deep chocolate brown over time. Miscellaneous national commemorative medals were produced by a wide range of manufacturers, from the U.S. Mint to local die-sinkers, covering subjects from presidential inaugurations to infrastructure milestones. 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-120, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Copper strikings of HK-120e are common to moderately scarce. Post-Civil War era medals were often distributed at events, with many entering circulation as pocket pieces rather than being preserved as collectibles.

Cross References

HK-120e; PCGS #803786