1906 So-Called Dollar HK-342, San Francisco Earthquake

Coin Details

Description

HK-342 is a 1906 so-called dollar commemorating San Francisco Earthquake. The 1907 Jamestown Tercentenary Exposition in Norfolk, Virginia commemorated the 300th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America, generating commemorative medals and the Jamestown gold dollar. 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. Miscellaneous national commemorative medals were produced by a wide range of manufacturers, from the U.S. Mint to local die-sinkers, covering subjects from presidential inaugurations to infrastructure milestones. 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-342 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-342; PCGS #642769; NGC #850582