1914 HK-398, Panama Canal Dollar

Coin Details

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-398) from 1914 celebrates Panama Canal. Pike's Peak commemorative medals celebrate the 14,115-foot Colorado summit that became a symbol of westward expansion after Zebulon Pike's 1806 expedition and the 1859 gold rush rallying cry 'Pike's Peak or Bust.' 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.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-398 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-398; PCGS #643842; NGC #850665