1896 So-Called Dollar HK-130, Evacuation of Ft. Shelby

Coin Details

Description

The 1896 Evacuation of Ft. Shelby so-called dollar (HK-130) is a commemorative piece from the Revolutionary War Commemoratives series. Communities along the eastern seaboard competed to honor their Revolutionary War heritage, with towns like Bennington, Saratoga, Brandywine, and Valley Forge striking commemorative medals for centennial ceremonies. 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. So-called dollars — defined as privately issued medals approximately the size of a silver dollar — encompass one of the most diverse and historically rich collecting fields in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-130 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-130; PCGS #642347; NGC #850235