1905 HK-334, Lewis & Clark Expo Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$228 MS64BN 08-14-2019 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1905 Lewis & Clark Expo so-called dollar (HK-334) is a commemorative piece from the Louisiana Purchase & Lewis and Clark series. The St. Louis fair commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, in which President Jefferson acquired 828,000 square miles of territory from Napoleon's France for approximately $15 million. 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. Morgan's artistic legacy extends beyond coinage to include numerous commemorative medals that showcase his distinctive portrait and eagle designs. 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

Strikings of HK-334 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-334; PCGS #642758; NGC #850573