1894 HK-254, 45mm California Midwinter Expo Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$180 MS63DMPL 09-25-2019 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as HK-254, this 1894 so-called dollar honors 45mm California Midwinter Expo. George Washington's legacy generated numerous centennial medals, including pieces for the 1889 centennial of his presidential inauguration in New York and the 1899 centennial of his death at Mount Vernon. 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. 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 Hibler-Kappen catalog, first published in 1963 by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen, systematically organized American so-called dollars for the first time, assigning HK numbers that remain the standard reference today.

Rarity Notes

HK-254 is scarce in the numismatic market. Production quantities for Gilded Age commemorative medals were typically modest, and survival rates vary significantly based on the original distribution method and the material's durability.

Cross References

HK-254; PCGS #642609; NGC #850461