1883 So-Called Dollar HK-135a, Headquarters at Newburgh

Coin Details

Description

Designated HK-135a in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1883 piece commemorates Headquarters at Newburgh. George Washington's legacy generated numerous centennial medals, including pieces for the 1889 centennial of his presidential inauguration in New York and the 1899 centennial of his death at Mount Vernon. This bronze so-called dollar represents the standard commemorative medal composition of its era. Bronze pieces were often the primary production run, with silver reserved for presentation copies and white metal for budget editions. 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. This piece is a variant of HK-135, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-135a are scarce. Gilded Age medals were often distributed at events, with many entering circulation as pocket pieces rather than being preserved as collectibles.

Cross References

HK-135a; PCGS #642366; NGC #852195