1917 White Metal So-Called Dollar HK-446, Vet. Corps of Artillery

Coin Details

Auction Record

$552 MS64 04-13-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

HK-446 is a 1917 so-called dollar commemorating Vet. Corps of Artillery. The 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition in Dallas's Fair Park produced over 50 Art Deco buildings, many of which survive today, while providing 10,000 jobs and a $50 million economic boost during the Depression. The white metal composition reflects the practical economics of medal production in this era. Tin-based alloys allowed manufacturers to produce large quantities at low cost while maintaining acceptable detail and appearance. Later exposition medals were produced by a mix of U.S. Mint issues and private manufacturers, with many struck in lower quantities than the great 19th-century fairs. The Century of Progress and New York World's Fair generated the most varieties. 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-446 are 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-446; PCGS #643964; NGC #850734