1915 HK-399, Panama-Pacific Expo Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,469 MS67 01-04-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

Designated HK-399 in the Hibler-Kappen catalog, this 1915 piece commemorates Panama-Pacific Expo. The Tower of Jewels, the exposition's centerpiece at 435 feet tall, was covered with over 100,000 cut glass 'Novagems' that shimmered in the sun and were illuminated by colored searchlights at night. This bronze so-called dollar represents the standard commemorative medal composition of its era. Bronze pieces were often the primary production run, with silver reserved for presentation copies and white metal for budget editions. Official exposition medals were struck by the U.S. Mint, and the landmark Panama-Pacific commemorative coin set (including the famous $50 gold pieces) made this the most numismatically significant American exposition. 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

Examples of HK-399 are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Early 20th century commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation.

Cross References

HK-399; PCGS #513227; NGC #850667