(1904) So-Called Dollar HK-316, LA Purchase Expo Gardens & Government Aluminum

Coin Details

Auction Record

$312 MS-63 02-13-2008 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

The 1904 LA Purchase Expo Gardens & Government so-called dollar (HK-316) is a commemorative piece from the Louisiana Purchase & Lewis and Clark series. 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. Struck in aluminum, this piece reflects the adoption of modern metals for commemorative medal production. Aluminum's light weight and resistance to corrosion made it an increasingly popular choice for 20th-century commemoratives. 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. George Morgan, famous for his Liberty Head silver dollar design, also contributed to exposition medal production during his long tenure at the U.S. Mint. 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-316 are moderately 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-316; PCGS #642720; NGC #850545