1894 HK-252, California Midwinter Expo Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21 DETAILS 01-16-2011 Heritage Auctions

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-252) from 1894 celebrates California Midwinter Expo. Many Revolutionary War centennial medals were struck by the U.S. Mint as official congressional issues, giving them a gravitas that distinguished them from purely commercial commemorative pieces. Struck in bronze, this piece showcases the detailed die work typical of American commemorative medals. Bronze's natural patina gives aged examples an appealing warm-brown surface that collectors prize. Revolutionary War centennial medals were produced both by the U.S. Mint (official congressional issues) and private die sinkers. Many were distributed at ceremony sites to attendees and dignitaries. 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

Examples of HK-252 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-252; PCGS #642607; NGC #850459