1898 White Metal So-Called Dollar HK-286a, Avengers of the Maine

Coin Details

Description

The 1898 Avengers of the Maine so-called dollar (HK-286a) is a commemorative piece from the Washington Monument & Miscellaneous National series. The 1909 Hudson-Fulton Celebration in New York commemorated Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage and Robert Fulton's 1807 steamboat, with naval parades, replicas of the Half Moon and Clermont, and commemorative medals. The white metal composition reflects the practical economics of medal production in this era. Tin-based alloys allowed manufacturers to produce large quantities at low cost while maintaining acceptable detail and appearance. Miscellaneous national commemorative medals were produced by a wide range of manufacturers, from the U.S. Mint to local die-sinkers, covering subjects from presidential inaugurations to infrastructure milestones. 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. This piece is a variant of HK-286, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

White Metal strikings of HK-286a are moderately 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-286a; PCGS #973250; NGC #850502