1879 So-Called Dollar HK-123a, Battle of Newtown

Coin Details

Description

HK-123a is a 1879 so-called dollar commemorating Battle of Newtown. Many Revolutionary War centennial medals were struck by the U.S. Mint as official congressional issues, giving them a gravitas that distinguished them from purely commercial commemorative pieces. Bronze examples of so-called dollars offer collectors an excellent balance of affordability, condition, and aesthetic appeal. The alloy's hardness produces sharp strikes with fine detail that survives handling better than softer metals. 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. Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen spent decades cataloging American dollar-sized medals, creating a reference work that transformed a scattered collecting field into an organized numismatic specialty. This piece is a variant of HK-123, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

HK-123a is 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-123a; PCGS #642320; NGC #850217