1902 HK-296, Wells Fargo & Co. Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,840 MS65 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

Cataloged as HK-296, this 1902 so-called dollar honors Wells Fargo & Co. The centennial commemoratives reflected a post-Civil War national reunification impulse, using shared Revolutionary War heritage to build patriotic unity across a country still healing from sectional conflict. 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. Revolutionary War centennial medals were produced both by the U.S. Mint (official congressional issues) and private die sinkers. Many were distributed at ceremony sites to attendees and dignitaries. 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

Examples of HK-296 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-296; PCGS #642688; NGC #850515