1939 HK-494, North Carolina Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$173 MS62 02-03-2009 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

This 1939 so-called dollar (HK-494) commemorates North Carolina. Before the great exposition era, American commemorative medals documented the young republic's infrastructure achievements, from the Erie Canal's 1825 completion to the transcontinental telegraph in 1861. This bronze so-called dollar represents the standard commemorative medal composition of its era. Bronze pieces were often the primary production run, with silver reserved for presentation copies and white metal for budget editions. Early commemorative medals were produced in small quantities by private die sinkers, with white metal and copper being the most common compositions. Distribution was typically limited to event participants and subscribers. 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

So-called dollars from the interwar period were produced in limited quantities for distribution at events or through numismatic channels. Examples of HK-494 are scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-494; PCGS #644073; NGC #850818