1908 HK-351a, Brass T-II U.S. Navy World Voyage Dollar

Coin Details

Description

HK-351a is a 1908 so-called dollar commemorating T-II U.S. Navy World Voyage. The 1909 Hudson-Fulton Celebration in New York commemorated Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage and Robert Fulton's 1807 steamboat, with naval parades, replicas of the Half Moon and Clermont, and commemorative medals. Struck in brass, this piece features the golden-yellow appearance that made the alloy popular for commemorative medals. Brass so-called dollars combine attractive visual appeal with good durability and 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 HK numbering system established by Hibler and Kappen in 1963 brought order to hundreds of previously uncataloged American commemorative medals, many of which had been ignored by mainstream numismatic references. This piece is a variant of HK-351, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Brass strikings of HK-351a are common to moderately 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-351a; PCGS #616309