1905 So-Called Dollar HK-331b, U.S. Gov'T Bldg

Coin Details

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-331b) from 1905 celebrates U.S. Gov'T Bldg. 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. 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. This piece is a variant of HK-331, 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. Examples of HK-331b are scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-331b; PCGS #642752; NGC #852230