1894 HK-255, California Midwinter Expo Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$306 MS61 10-18-2012 Heritage Auctions

Description

HK-255 is a 1894 so-called dollar commemorating California Midwinter Expo. The centennial movement of the 1870s-1890s produced medals for the 100th anniversaries of Revolutionary War battles from Lexington and Concord (1875) through Yorktown (1881) and the Constitution's ratification (1887-1890). Struck in bronze, this piece combines durability with an attractive warm tone that deepens with age into a rich chocolate-brown patina. Bronze was the preferred composition for many commemorative medals due to its excellent detail retention. 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. 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

Strikings of HK-255 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-255; PCGS #642610; NGC #850462