1898 HK-283, Trans-Mississippi Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$368 MS-65 02-01-2012 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

The 1898 Trans-Mississippi so-called dollar (HK-283) is a commemorative piece from the Trans-Mississippi & Pan-American Expositions series. The 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York celebrated hemispheric unity with 350 acres of exhibits, highlighted by the 375-foot Electric Tower illuminated by power generated at nearby Niagara Falls. 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. Trans-Mississippi and Pan-American medals were struck by both official exposition mints and private concessionaires. The McKinley assassination generated additional memorial medal production. Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen spent decades cataloging American dollar-sized medals, creating a reference work that transformed a scattered collecting field into an organized numismatic specialty.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-283 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-283; PCGS #642658; NGC #850494