1915 So-Called Dollar HK-409a, Montana Exposition Fund

Coin Details

Description

This 1915 so-called dollar (HK-409a) commemorates Montana Exposition Fund. The 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and demonstrated the city's remarkable recovery from the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. 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. 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 HK numbering system established by Hibler and Kappen in 1963 brought order to hundreds of previously uncataloged American commemorative medals, many of which had been ignored by mainstream numismatic references. This piece is a variant of HK-409, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-409a are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Early 20th century commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation. Variant types are generally scarcer than the primary issue.

Cross References

HK-409a; PCGS #643884; NGC #851759