1901-1902 So-Called Dollar HK-292, South Carolina Interstate & W. Indian Expo

Coin Details

Auction Record

$228 AU58 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

Cataloged as HK-292, this 1901 so-called dollar honors South Carolina Interstate & W. Indian Expo. 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. Struck in bronze, this piece combines durability with an attractive warm tone that deepens with age into a rich chocolate-brown patina. Bronze was the preferred composition for many commemorative medals due to its excellent detail retention. Trans-Mississippi and Pan-American medals were struck by both official exposition mints and private concessionaires. The McKinley assassination generated additional memorial medal production. 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.

Rarity Notes

So-called dollars from the early 20th century were produced in limited quantities for distribution at events or through numismatic channels. Examples of HK-292 are scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-292; PCGS #642679; NGC #850512