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The So-Called Dollar 1933-1934 Century of Progress Expo Chicago, cataloged as HK#471a, is a remarkable numismatic piece commemorating the Century of Progress International Exposition held in Chicago from 1933 to 1934. This world's fair celebrated technological advancements and cultural achievements, showcasing innovations in science, industry, and art. The So-Called Dollar HK#471a serves as a tangible artifact of this historic event and reflects the optimism and progress of the early 20th century.
The design of the So-Called Dollar HK#471a features a central image of the "Spirit of Progress" statue, a prominent symbol of the Century of Progress Exposition. Surrounding the statue are inscriptions denoting the event's name and location, along with the years 1933 and 1934. The reverse of the coin displays an allegorical figure representing "Progress" holding a torch, symbolizing enlightenment and advancement.
So-Called Dollars, a term coined by numismatists Hibler and Kappen, refer to a category of historical commemorative medals roughly the size of a silver dollar. These pieces were often struck by private mints and organizations to commemorate significant events or individuals. The So-Called Dollar HK#471a was issued as a souvenir for visitors to the Century of Progress Exposition and represents a popular type within the series.
Given the nature of So-Called Dollars as commemorative medals, they were typically not packaged in the same way as circulating coins. Instead, they were often sold or distributed at the events they commemorated, serving as mementos for attendees. As such, the So-Called Dollar HK#471a would likely have been available for purchase at the Century of Progress Exposition or through souvenir vendors.
The So-Called Dollar HK#471a was likely struck by various private mints and organizations to meet the demand for souvenirs during the Century of Progress Exposition. Exact mintage figures for these pieces can be challenging to determine, as production records were not always well-maintained for commemorative medals. However, it is estimated that thousands of these medals were struck to meet the demand of visitors to the exposition.
In terms of condition, So-Called Dollar HK#471a specimens may vary widely depending on their level of wear and handling over the years. Some examples may exhibit signs of circulation, including surface scratches, wear to the high points of the design, and loss of detail. Others may have been well-preserved or stored in collections, retaining their original luster and sharp detail. Regardless of condition, each So-Called Dollar HK#471a serves as a unique artifact of the Century of Progress Exposition and carries historical significance.