1892-1893 So-Called Dollar HK-177b, 93) Il Admin Bld - Fisheries Bld ScDollar

Coin Details

Description

This 1892 so-called dollar (HK-177b) commemorates 93) Il Admin Bld - Fisheries Bld ScDollar. The Columbian Exposition introduced Americans to alternating current electricity (demonstrated by Westinghouse and Tesla), the zipper, Cracker Jack, Juicy Fruit gum, and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. 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. Both the U.S. Mint and numerous private firms struck Columbian medals. Charles Barber designed official mint issues. The exposition also generated the first U.S. commemorative coins (Columbian half dollar). 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-177, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-177b are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Gilded Age commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation. Variant types are generally scarcer than the primary issue.

Cross References

HK-177b; PCGS #642455; NGC #851935