1899 So-Called Dollar HK-644, Philadelphia Exposition

Coin Details

Auction Record

$499 MS64 09-02-2023 eBay

Description

Designated HK-644 in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1899 piece commemorates Philadelphia Exposition in Pennsylvania. The tradition of issuing commemorative medals at fairs and expositions extends from the great world's fairs of the 19th century down to local county fairs, reflecting the American enthusiasm for celebration through medallic art. The bronze composition of this piece reflects the medallic tradition dating to classical antiquity. Bronze so-called dollars typically survive in better condition than white metal examples due to the alloy's greater hardness and durability. Whitehead-Hoag's Newark factory produced millions of commemorative pieces during the company's seven-decade history, including medals for world's fairs, presidential campaigns, and military events. Pennsylvania's role as the cradle of American independence and its position as a major industrial state generated a rich tradition of commemorative medal production, with Philadelphia serving as both the political and medallic capital of the early republic. 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. Pre-1900 local commemorative medals are among the most historically significant in the so-called dollar series, documenting the celebrations of communities still within living memory of their founding or early settlement periods.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-644 are scarce. Distribution was usually limited to event attendees and local residents, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-644; PCGS #643146