1915 HK-400, Panama-Pacific Expo Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$705 MS65 06-19-2022 David Lawrence RC

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-400) from 1915 celebrates Panama-Pacific Expo. Bernard Maybeck's Palace of Fine Arts, built as a temporary structure in a Romantic classical style inspired by Roman ruins, was the only exposition building preserved and later reconstructed in permanent materials. 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. The Hibler-Kappen catalog, first published in 1963 by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen, systematically organized American so-called dollars for the first time, assigning HK numbers that remain the standard reference today.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-400 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-400; PCGS #643852; NGC #850668