1891 So-Called Dollar HK-763a, Washington Monument Dedication

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as HK-763A, this 1891 so-called dollar commemorates Washington Monument Ded. in Pennsylvania. From courthouse dedications to bridge openings, Americans have marked significant construction milestones with commemorative medals that document the built environment of growing communities. The bronze composition of this piece reflects the medallic tradition dating to classical antiquity. Bronze so-called dollars typically survive in better condition than white metal examples due to the alloy's greater hardness and durability. American commemorative medal manufacturers ranged from the U.S. Mint to small regional die-sinkers, with each firm bringing distinctive artistic approaches and production capabilities to the medallic arts. From Philadelphia's founding by William Penn in 1682 to Pittsburgh's industrial revolution, Pennsylvania communities have marked their historical milestones with commemorative medals that document the Commonwealth's central role in American history. So-called dollars — defined as privately issued medals approximately the size of a silver dollar — encompass one of the most diverse and historically rich collecting fields in American numismatics. Pre-1900 local commemorative medals are among the most historically significant in the so-called dollar series, documenting the celebrations of communities still within living memory of their founding or early settlement periods. This piece is a variant of HK-763, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics.

Rarity Notes

Local commemorative so-called dollars from the Gilded Age survive in varying quantities. Examples of HK-763A are scarce in the numismatic market.

Cross References

HK-763A; PCGS #643458