1904 Gold So-Called Dollar HK-299a, Louisiana Purchase Expo

Coin Details

Auction Record

$276 Token MS-65 05-26-2009 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

This 1904 so-called dollar (HK-299a) commemorates Louisiana Purchase Expo. The Palace of Electricity at the St. Louis fair demonstrated wireless telegraphy, X-ray technology, and a working telephone exchange, while the fair's food concessions introduced Americans to the ice cream cone and cotton candy. The gold composition places this among the rarest and most valuable of all so-called dollars. Gold presentation pieces were struck in minimal quantities and represent the pinnacle of the medallic hierarchy. Official exposition medals were struck alongside the landmark Jefferson and McKinley gold dollars. Private manufacturers produced additional commemorative pieces sold to the 19.7 million fairgoers. Charles Barber's tenure as Chief Engraver coincided with the golden age of American expositions, and he designed official U.S. Mint medals for the Columbian, Louisiana Purchase, and Panama-Pacific fairs. 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. This piece is a variant of HK-299, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

HK-299a is rare to extremely rare 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-299a; PCGS #642694; NGC #851989