HK-506, Paul Revere Dollar

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as HK-506, this undated so-called dollar honors Paul Revere. New York's Crystal Palace exhibition of 1853-1854, designed by Georg Carstensen and Charles Gildemeister in a Greek cross plan with a 100-foot dome, was America's first international exhibition venue before fire destroyed it on October 5, 1858. 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. Harold Hibler and Charles Kappen spent decades cataloging American dollar-sized medals, creating a reference work that transformed a scattered collecting field into an organized numismatic specialty.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-506 are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Early 19th century commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation.

Cross References

HK-506; PCGS #642846; NGC #850830