1878 So-Called Dollar HK-136, Baker-449 Silver Valley Forge Centennial

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,760 MS64 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1878 Baker-449 Valley Forge Centennial so-called dollar (HK-136) is a commemorative piece from the Revolutionary War Commemoratives series. Communities along the eastern seaboard competed to honor their Revolutionary War heritage, with towns like Bennington, Saratoga, Brandywine, and Valley Forge striking commemorative medals for centennial ceremonies. Struck in silver, this piece represents a premium metallic composition among so-called dollars. Silver examples were typically produced in smaller quantities than base metal issues and command strong collector interest. Revolutionary War centennial medals were produced both by the U.S. Mint (official congressional issues) and private die sinkers. Many were distributed at ceremony sites to attendees and dignitaries. The HK numbering system established by Hibler and Kappen in 1963 brought order to hundreds of previously uncataloged American commemorative medals, many of which had been ignored by mainstream numismatic references.

Rarity Notes

Silver strikings of HK-136 are scarce to rare. 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-136; PCGS #642368; NGC #850251