1892 HK-220, Columbian Expo, Liberty Head Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$900 MS66BN 04-29-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

This 1892 so-called dollar (HK-220) commemorates Columbian Expo Liberty Head. The exposition's Court of Honor, with its Grand Basin reflecting pool surrounded by Burnham's neoclassical buildings painted white, inspired the City Beautiful movement that transformed American urban planning. 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. Collectors of so-called dollars pursue pieces by exposition, metal type, engraver, geographic region, or historical theme, with complete sets of certain exposition groups being particularly prized accomplishments.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-220 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-220; PCGS #642531