1892-1893 So-Called Dollar HK-228, Columbus Bust Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$173 MS61 09-22-2010 Heritage Auctions

Description

Designated HK-228 in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1892 piece commemorates Columbus Bust. The Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, at 1,687 by 787 feet, was the largest building in the world at the time, covering over 30 acres under a single roof and housing exhibits from 50 nations. 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. 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). Charles Barber's tenure as Chief Engraver coincided with the golden age of American expositions, and he designed official U.S. Mint medals for the Columbian, Louisiana Purchase, and Panama-Pacific fairs. The Hibler-Kappen catalog, first published in 1963 by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen, systematically organized American so-called dollars for the first time, assigning HK numbers that remain the standard reference today.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-228 are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Gilded Age commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation.

Cross References

HK-228; PCGS #642552; NGC #850409