1893 HK-180, World's Columbian Exposition Dollar

Coin Details

Description

Designated HK-180 in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1893 piece commemorates World's Columbian Exposition. 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). The HK numbering system established by Hibler and Kappen in 1963 brought order to hundreds of previously uncataloged American commemorative medals, many of which had been ignored by mainstream numismatic references.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-180 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-180; PCGS #642458; NGC #850315