1898 White Metal So-Called Dollar HK-280, Battle of Manila Bay

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

A raised bust of Admiral George Dewey, facing right and named around the edge, takes the obverse of HK-280, a white metal medal for his victory at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, when his squadron destroyed the Spanish fleet and took Cavite. The reverse pictures a battleship labeled "U. S. S. Olympia" within a beaded ring made to look like a ship's rope, knotted loosely at the bottom, with "Manila Bay May 1, 1898" outside. Two varieties exist, with and without a loop at the top of the rope. Hibler and Kappen could not trace who issued the medal; they note that on Dewey's return in 1899 some receptions gave guests medals struck from metal captured in the battle, while many souvenirs were sold with the same claim. A bronze version is HK-280a. White metal, 35 mm.

Cross References

HK-280; PCGS #642649; NGC #850490