1953 So-Called Dollar HK-509a, Louisiana Purchase Sesqui

Coin Details

Description

This commemorative so-called dollar (HK-509a) from 1953 celebrates Louisiana Purchase Sesqui. The 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis occupied 1,272 acres in Forest Park — twice the size of the Columbian Exposition — making it the largest world's fair in history, with 1,500 buildings and exhibits from 62 nations. 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 alongside the landmark Jefferson and McKinley gold dollars. Private manufacturers produced additional commemorative pieces sold to the 19.7 million fairgoers. Morgan's artistic legacy extends beyond coinage to include numerous commemorative medals that showcase his distinctive portrait and eagle designs. So-called dollars — defined as privately issued medals approximately the size of a silver dollar — encompass one of the most diverse and historically rich collecting fields in American numismatics. This piece is a variant of HK-509, distinguished by differences in composition, die state, or striking characteristics that merit a separate catalog entry in the Hibler-Kappen reference.

Rarity Notes

Strikings of HK-509a are scarce. Post-war era medals were often distributed at events, with many entering circulation as pocket pieces rather than being preserved as collectibles.

Cross References

HK-509a; PCGS #642860; NGC #851718