1905 HK-329, Lewis & Clark Dollar

Coin Details

Description

This 1905 so-called dollar (HK-329) commemorates Lewis & Clark. 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. Struck in bronze, this piece combines durability with an attractive warm tone that deepens with age into a rich chocolate-brown patina. Bronze was the preferred composition for many commemorative medals due to its excellent detail retention. 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. Morgan's artistic legacy extends beyond coinage to include numerous commemorative medals that showcase his distinctive portrait and eagle designs. Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen spent decades cataloging American dollar-sized medals, creating a reference work that transformed a scattered collecting field into an organized numismatic specialty.

Rarity Notes

So-called dollars from the early 20th century were produced in limited quantities for distribution at events or through numismatic channels. Examples of HK-329 are scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-329; PCGS #642746; NGC #853148