1901 So-Called Dollar HK-290, Mckinley Assassination

Coin Details

Description

The 1901 Mckinley Assassination so-called dollar (HK-290) is a commemorative piece from the Trans-Mississippi & Pan-American Expositions series. 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 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.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-290 are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Early 20th century commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation.

Cross References

HK-290; PCGS #642676; NGC #850508