(1904) So-Called Dollar HK-318, Palace of Liberal Arts

Coin Details

Description

The 1904 Palace of Liberal Arts so-called dollar (HK-318) is a commemorative piece from the Louisiana Purchase & Lewis and Clark series. The St. Louis fair commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, in which President Jefferson acquired 828,000 square miles of territory from Napoleon's France for approximately $15 million. This bronze so-called dollar represents the standard commemorative medal composition of its era. Bronze pieces were often the primary production run, with silver reserved for presentation copies and white metal for budget editions. 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. Barber's clean, classical engraving style defined the look of official American exposition medals for over three decades of world's 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.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-318 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-318; PCGS #642722; NGC #850547