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

Coin Details

Description

This 1904 so-called dollar (HK-320a) commemorates 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. Brass so-called dollars occupy a middle ground in both cost and appearance between copper/bronze and silver issues. The alloy's hardness produces sharp strikes that retain detail well over time. 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 HK numbering system established by Hibler and Kappen in 1963 brought order to hundreds of previously uncataloged American commemorative medals, many of which had been ignored by mainstream numismatic references. This piece is a variant of HK-320, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

So-called dollars from the early 20th century were produced in limited quantities for distribution at events or through numismatic channels. Brass examples of HK-320a are common to moderately scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-320a; PCGS #642726; NGC #852352