1901 So-Called Dollar HK-289

Coin Details

Auction Record

$312 MS67 03-05-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

Cataloged as HK-289, this 1901 so-called dollar honors a national commemorative event. 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. The Hibler-Kappen catalog, first published in 1963 by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen, systematically organized American so-called dollars for the first time, assigning HK numbers that remain the standard reference today.

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-289 are scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-289; PCGS #642675