1905 Bronze So-Called Dollar HK-331, RE 37mm Lewis & Clark Centennial Expo

Coin Details

Description

The 1905 RE 37mm Lewis & Clark Centennial Expo so-called dollar (HK-331) is a commemorative piece from the Louisiana Purchase & Lewis and Clark series. The 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis occupied 1,272 acres in Forest Park — twice the size of the Columbian Exposition — making it the largest world's fair in history, with 1,500 buildings and exhibits from 62 nations. Bronze examples of so-called dollars offer collectors an excellent balance of affordability, condition, and aesthetic appeal. The alloy's hardness produces sharp strikes with fine detail that survives handling better than softer metals. 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. Collectors of so-called dollars pursue pieces by exposition, metal type, engraver, geographic region, or historical theme, with complete sets of certain exposition groups being particularly prized accomplishments.

Rarity Notes

So-called dollars from the early 20th century were produced in limited quantities for distribution at events or through numismatic channels. Bronze examples of HK-331 are common to moderately scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-331; PCGS #642750; NGC #850566