1891 Medal HK-Unlisted Silvered Copper Ottumwa Coal Palace

Coin Details

Description

This 1891 silvered copper medal, listed as HK-Unlisted (not in the standard Hibler-Kappen so-called dollar reference), commemorates the Ottumwa Coal Palace in Iowa. The Ottumwa Coal Palace, built in 1890, was an extraordinary structure constructed largely from blocks of coal to showcase the region's mining industry. Similar in concept to the famous Corn Palaces of South Dakota, the Coal Palace hosted exhibitions and entertainments that attracted visitors from across the Midwest. The structure was intentionally temporary, rebuilt for several consecutive seasons. The HK-Unlisted designation indicates this is a so-called dollar not recorded in the standard reference, making it of particular interest to SCD collectors. Private medal producers including the Franklin Mint, Medallic Art Company, and numerous smaller firms have supplemented U.S. Mint production, creating a rich and diverse medallic landscape for American collectors. Silvered copper provides a silver-like appearance at lower cost.

Rarity Notes

Rare. HK-Unlisted, silvered copper. Ottumwa Coal Palace medals not in the standard Hibler-Kappen reference are particularly desirable to specialists.

Cross References

PCGS #882287; HK-Unlisted; Ottumwa Coal Palace; Iowa; Silvered Copper; 1891