1959 HK-557, Gilt-Bronze, Eugene OR Statehood Centennial Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$212 MS66 08-12-2012 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as HK-557, this 1959 so-called dollar honors - Eugene OR Statehood Centennial. 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. This gilt so-called dollar features a gold wash over a base metal core, combining the visual appeal of gold with affordability. Gilt examples were typically produced in smaller quantities than plain bronze or copper versions. 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. The HK numbering system established by Hibler and Kappen in 1963 brought order to hundreds of previously uncataloged American commemorative medals, many of which had been ignored by mainstream numismatic references.

Rarity Notes

HK-557 is scarce in the numismatic market. Production quantities for post-war era commemorative medals were typically modest, and survival rates vary significantly based on the original distribution method and the material's durability.

Cross References

HK-557; PCGS #642943; NGC #850896