1905 HK-328, Lewis & Clark Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$33 XF45 04-21-2020 eBay

Description

This 1905 so-called dollar (HK-328) commemorates Lewis & Clark. 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. 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 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.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-328 are scarce. Early 20th century medals were often distributed at events, with many entering circulation as pocket pieces rather than being preserved as collectibles.

Cross References

HK-328; PCGS #642745; NGC #850563