1901 HK-645a, Detroit Bicentennial Dollar

Coin Details

Description

Designated HK-645a in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1901 piece commemorates Detroit Bicentennial. The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle celebrated the development of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, featuring Olmsted Brothers landscape design on the University of Washington campus. 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. 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. 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. This piece is a variant of HK-645, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

HK-645a is scarce in the numismatic market. Production quantities for early 20th century commemorative medals were typically modest, and survival rates vary significantly based on the original distribution method and the material's durability.

Cross References

HK-645a; PCGS #659438