(1904) So-Called Dollar HK-320, LA Purchase Expo Machinery & Metallurgy Aluminum

Coin Details

Auction Record

$345 MS64DPL 02-03-2009 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

HK-320 is a 1904 so-called dollar commemorating LA Purchase Expo Machinery & Metallurgy. The 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon celebrated the famous 1804-1806 expedition with 400 acres of exhibits along the Willamette River, drawing 1.6 million visitors. Aluminum so-called dollars, while lighter than their traditional-metal counterparts, maintain sharp design detail due to the metal's excellent die-filling properties under pressure. 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. 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-320 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-320; PCGS #642725; NGC #850549