1959 So-Called Dollar HK-528, Ak-Hi Alaska-Hawaii Statehood

Coin Details

Description

The 1959 Ak-Hi Alaska-Hawaii Statehood so-called dollar (HK-528) is a commemorative piece from the Later Expositions & World's Fairs series. The Century of Progress featured the Sky Ride, transporting visitors 218 feet above the lagoon in enclosed cars suspended between two 628-foot steel towers, and pioneered windowless buildings using prefabricated Masonite and plywood. 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. 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 Hibler-Kappen catalog, first published in 1963 by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen, systematically organized American so-called dollars for the first time, assigning HK numbers that remain the standard reference today.

Rarity Notes

So-called dollars from the post-war era were produced in limited quantities for distribution at events or through numismatic channels. Examples of HK-528 are scarce, with surviving pieces ranging from well-worn pocket pieces to carefully preserved specimens.

Cross References

HK-528; PCGS #642895; NGC #850863