1939 HK-482, Golden Gate Expo White Metal Treasure Island Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$456 MS65 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-482) from 1939 celebrates Golden Gate Expo Treasure Island. Philadelphia's 1926 Sesqui-Centennial suffered rain on 107 of its 184 open days, drawing only 6.4 million visitors against a projected 50 million, though it produced an 80-foot replica of the Liberty Bell illuminated by 26,000 light bulbs. Cast or struck in white metal, this piece exhibits the silvery-white appearance characteristic of tin-based alloys. The softness of white metal makes high-grade examples surprisingly scarce despite generous original mintages. 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. Collectors of so-called dollars pursue pieces by exposition, metal type, engraver, geographic region, or historical theme, with complete sets of certain exposition groups being particularly prized accomplishments.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-482 are moderately scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Interwar period commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation.

Cross References

HK-482; PCGS #644050; NGC #850796