1892-1893 So-Called Dollar HK-237c, 93) Il Uniface Hexigonal Dollar

Coin Details

Description

Designated HK-237c in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1892 piece commemorates 93) Il Uniface Hexigonal. 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). 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. 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. This piece is a variant of HK-237, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-237c are scarce. Gilded Age medals were often distributed at events, with many entering circulation as pocket pieces rather than being preserved as collectibles.

Cross References

HK-237c; PCGS #642575; NGC #851962