1893 So-Called Dollar HK-769a, Frances E. Willard

Coin Details

Description

Designated HK-769A in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1893 piece commemorates Frances E. Willard. Commemorative medals honoring individuals have been part of American medallic tradition since the nation's founding, with subjects ranging from presidents and military heroes to local civic leaders and cultural figures. 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. As a major American badge and medal manufacturer, Whitehead-Hoag combined industrial-scale production with competent artistic design, making commemorative pieces accessible to a broad range of organizations and events. 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. Pre-1900 local commemorative medals are among the most historically significant in the so-called dollar series, documenting the celebrations of communities still within living memory of their founding or early settlement periods. This piece is a variant of HK-769, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-769A are scarce. Distribution was usually limited to event attendees and local residents, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-769A; PCGS #643471