1892-1893 So-Called Dollar HK-233, 93) Il Columbus Bust Dollar

Coin Details

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-233) from 1892 celebrates 93) Il Columbus Bust. The Columbian Exposition produced the second-largest group of so-called dollars in the HK catalog after the 1876 Centennial, including pieces struck by the U.S. Mint and dozens of private exhibitors and concessionaires. 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). Barber's clean, classical engraving style defined the look of official American exposition medals for over three decades of world's fairs. 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.

Rarity Notes

HK-233 is scarce in the numismatic market. Production quantities for Gilded Age commemorative medals were typically modest, and survival rates vary significantly based on the original distribution method and the material's durability.

Cross References

HK-233; PCGS #642560; NGC #850418