1898 HK-285, U.S. Battleship Maine Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$604 NG0 06-02-2002 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-285) from 1898 celebrates U.S. Battleship Maine. 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. 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

Strikings of HK-285 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-285; PCGS #642666; NGC #850500