1909 HK-385, Hudson-Fulton Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120 MS64 09-24-2018 Kagin's

Description

Cataloged as HK-385, this 1909 so-called dollar honors Hudson-Fulton. The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle celebrated the development of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, featuring Olmsted Brothers landscape design on the University of Washington campus. The bronze composition of this piece reflects the medallic tradition dating to classical antiquity. Bronze so-called dollars typically survive in better condition than white metal examples due to the alloy's greater hardness and durability. 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. Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen spent decades cataloging American dollar-sized medals, creating a reference work that transformed a scattered collecting field into an organized numismatic specialty.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-385 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-385; PCGS #643812; NGC #850646