1900 Lesher Dollar - HK-1016, Trade Mark Applied

Coin Details

Auction Record

$84,000 • MS64 NGC • 02-2020 • Kagin's Henderson-Marchase Collection

Description

The 1900 Lesher Dollar HK-1016, the Trade Mark Applied variety, is a previously undocumented type that was first reported by Dr. Philip W. Whiteley and is unique. The piece bears the inscription "TRADE-MARK APPLIED FOR" around its edge with a blank imprint space where a merchant name would normally appear, indicating this was either a prototype for the trademark-registered 1901 series or a transitional piece between the 1900 and 1901 production periods. The "Trade Mark Applied" inscription is significant in the context of Lesher's business timeline. Lesher filed for trademark registration of the word "Referendum" and received Registration No. 36,192 on April 9, 1901, along with Design Patent No. 34,359 on April 16, 1901. This piece, bearing the 1900 date but referencing the trademark application process, may represent a proof of concept created during the application period — bridging the gap between the freely distributed 1900 types and the more formally protected 1901 issues. This unique specimen achieved the highest price in the landmark Henderson-Marchase Collection sale at Kagin's in February 2020, where it realized $84,000 against an estimate of $50,000-$75,000. The Henderson-Marchase Collection, comprising 20 NGC-certified Lesher Dollars, was itself one of the most significant offerings of these pieces ever assembled for public sale.

Rarity Notes

R-9 / Unique. Only 1 known specimen. Highest price realized in the Henderson-Marchase Collection sale.

Cross References

HK-1016; Zerbe-17 (Z-17); PCGS #19004