1915 HK-416, Brass Pan-Pac Int'l Expo State Dollar

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as HK-416, this 1915 so-called dollar honors Pan-Pac Int'l Expo State. 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. The brass composition gives this piece a warm golden tone that distinguishes it from bronze and copper versions. Brass commemorative medals were produced in moderate quantities and tend to survive in better condition than white metal issues. 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. Barber's clean, classical engraving style defined the look of official American exposition medals for over three decades of world's fairs. The Hibler-Kappen catalog has been updated and expanded since its 1963 first edition, with later researchers adding newly discovered varieties and extending coverage into the modern era.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-416 are common to moderately 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-416; PCGS #643908; NGC #850692