1906 So-Called Dollar HK-343a, San Francisco Earthquake

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as HK-343a, this 1906 so-called dollar honors San Francisco Earthquake. The Washington Monument's construction spanned 36 years (1848-1884), with the visible color change one-third up the obelisk marking where construction resumed after the Civil War with marble from a different quarry. Bronze examples of so-called dollars offer collectors an excellent balance of affordability, condition, and aesthetic appeal. The alloy's hardness produces sharp strikes with fine detail that survives handling better than softer metals. 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. So-called dollars — defined as privately issued medals approximately the size of a silver dollar — encompass one of the most diverse and historically rich collecting fields in American numismatics. This piece is a variant of HK-343, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-343a 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-343a; PCGS #642771; NGC #850584