1933 Dollar Die Trial - HK-870, Century of Progress, Copper

Coin Details

Description

This copper die trial is from the dies of HK-870, a so-called dollar produced for the 1933 Century of Progress International Exposition held in Chicago. The Century of Progress fair celebrated Chicago's centennial and showcased scientific and technological achievements, drawing over 39 million visitors across its two seasons in 1933 and 1934. So-called dollars — medals approximately the size of a silver dollar — have a long tradition in American numismatics, and world's fairs were particularly prolific sources of these collectible pieces. The HK-870 designation comes from the standard reference by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen, which catalogs thousands of so-called dollars from American history. The obverse and reverse designs of HK-870 incorporate themes of the Century of Progress exposition, typically featuring architectural elements of the fair or allegorical representations of scientific advancement. This copper die trial was struck to test the dies before production of the finished medals, which were typically produced in silver, brass, or other metals for sale to fairgoers. Die trials from exposition medals are uncommon survivals because they were internal production artifacts with no distribution to the public. The 1933 date places this during the depths of the Great Depression, adding historical poignancy to a piece celebrating progress and optimism.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Copper die trials of Century of Progress so-called dollars are seldom encountered; most HK-870 examples are in standard production metals.

Cross References

HK-870 (Hibler-Kappen)